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Cost of total prostate specific antigen test by state

The following estimated costs are based on cash prices that providers have historically charged on average for total prostate specific antigen test and will vary depending on where the service is done. The prices do not include the anesthesia, imaging, and other doctor visit fees that normally accompany total prostate specific antigen test.

StateName Average Cash Price
Alabama $48
Alaska $64
Arizona $54
Arkansas $47
California $59
Colorado $52
Connecticut $57
Delaware $55
District of Columbia $55
Florida $52
Georgia $49
Hawaii $50
Idaho $48
Illinois $55
Indiana $50
Iowa $45
Kansas $47
Kentucky $48
Louisiana $53
Maine $48
Maryland $57
Massachusetts $58
Michigan $54
Minnesota $61
Mississippi $48
Missouri $48
Montana $50
Nebraska $49
Nevada $51
New Hampshire $52
New Jersey $63
New Mexico $47
New York $59
North Carolina $47
North Dakota $52
Ohio $49
Oklahoma $53
Oregon $54
Pennsylvania $55
Rhode Island $59
South Carolina $50
South Dakota $47
Tennessee $47
Texas $51
Utah $53
Vermont $52
Virginia $51
Washington $57
West Virginia $51
Wisconsin $54
Wyoming $52

What is a total prostate specific antigen test?

The total prostate specific antigen test is a laboratory blood test that measures the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in a man’s blood. PSA is a protein that is produced by the prostate gland. Blood levels of PSA become elevated when there is prostate cancer. For this reason, measuring the PSA is an important screening for prostate cancer.

What is the normal range for a total prostate specific antigen test?

Technically, there is no normal level for prostate-specific antigen; however, the trend over time in the level can show a problem. Most healthcare providers agree that a level of more than four ng/ml is elevated. Levels that continue to rise over time also indicate a problem.

How accurate is a total prostate specific antigen test?

Unfortunately, the PSA is not the most accurate test. Several factors can affect the test results. Factors that may cause an elevated PSA include:

  • Prostate cancer
  • An enlarged prostate, called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH
  • Inflammation or infection of the prostate gland
  • Increasing age
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Recent intercourse or ejaculation
  • Recent tests on your bladder or prostate
  • Recent colonoscopy
  • Medications

False low PSA can be caused by:

  • Medications
  • Obesity

Some providers worry PSA results can be inaccurate and lead to unnecessary stress, especially if the patient has prostate biopsies that are normal.

What are the symptoms of high PSA levels?

High PSA levels do not have specific symptoms, but it is a sign of other problems, like prostate cancer. Symptoms you might experience include:

  • Difficulty urinating
  • Frequent urination
  • Getting up at night to urinate
  • Slow urine stream
  • Difficulty controlling urine (urinary incontinence)

How can I lower my PSA level quickly?

If your PSA level is elevated, it might be a sign of a serious health problem or prostate cancer. You should follow up with your healthcare provider, who may recommend a repeat level to confirm the elevation. Prostate cancer detected early is a very treatable cancer. Don’t ignore an elevated level by trying home remedies. Timely treatment will result in the best outcome.

Does walking increase PSA?

Physical activity like walking and riding a bicycle has been found to increase PSA levels. Because of this, men should avoid physical exercise, especially cycling for at least 24 hours before having a PSA level drawn.

* Savings estimate based on a study of more than 1 billion claims comparing self-pay (or cash pay) prices of a frequency-weighted market basket of procedures to insurer-negotiated rates for the same. Claims were collected between July 2017 and July 2019. R.Lawrence Van Horn, Arthur Laffer, Robert L.Metcalf. 2019. The Transformative Potential for Price Transparency in Healthcare: Benefits for Consumers and Providers. Health Management Policy and Innovation, Volume 4, Issue 3.

Sidecar Health offers and administers a variety of plans including ACA compliant and excepted benefit plans. Coverage and plan options may vary or may not be available in all states.

Your actual costs may be higher or lower than these cost estimates. Check with your provider and health plan details to confirm the costs that you may be charged for a service or procedure.You are responsible for costs that are not covered and for getting any pre-authorizations or referrals required by your health plan. Neither payments nor benefits are guaranteed. Provider data, including price data, provided in part by Turquoise Health.

The site is not a substitute for medical or healthcare advice and does not serve as a recommendation for a particular provider or type of medical or healthcare.