Based on research by Shireen E. Hayatghaibi, PhD, and colleagues, published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology (2026).
When a child needs an X-ray, MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, or other imaging exam, parents are often focused on getting answers and helping their child feel better. But there’s another important concern many families share: How much will this cost?
A new study from researchers at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and St. Louis Children’s Hospital explored how parents feel about discussing imaging costs before their children undergo medical imaging exams.
The findings send a clear message: Families want more transparency about healthcare costs, and they want that information before unexpected bills arrive.
Medical imaging is an essential part of pediatric healthcare. It helps doctors diagnose injuries, illnesses, and medical conditions quickly and accurately.
However, even when imaging is medically necessary, families can sometimes face:
Researchers wanted to understand whether parents wanted more information about imaging costs and how those costs affect their healthcare decisions.
The study surveyed 399 parents and caregivers whose children were receiving outpatient imaging exams at two leading children’s hospitals.
Parents were asked about:
The goal was to better understand how hospitals can support families through more transparent communication.
One of the strongest findings was that parents overwhelmingly want transparency.
84% of parents said it was important to know the cost of their child’s imaging exam.
This tells us that families value being informed not only about the medical aspects of care but also about the financial aspects.
Nearly three-quarters of parents (74%) said they believe a hospital employee should discuss imaging costs with them.
Parents aren’t necessarily asking physicians to become billing experts. Instead, they want access to someone who can explain:
While most parents wanted cost discussions, only 10% reported actually having one before their child’s imaging exam.
This reveals a significant gap between what families want and what they currently experience.
In simple terms:
Parents are asking for financial transparency, but many aren’t receiving it.
Knowing costs ahead of time helps families prepare financially.
When parents understand potential expenses before imaging occurs, they can:
Just like families often want an estimate before a home repair or major purchase, many would like similar transparency in healthcare.
Cost information allows parents to focus on their child’s care with greater peace of mind.
When families understand both the medical reason for a test and its potential financial impact, they can feel more confident and informed throughout the care process.
This supports true family-centered care, where parents are active participants in decision-making.
Many hospitals offer resources that families may not know about, including:
Early conversations about cost can connect families with help before financial challenges become overwhelming.
Nearly half of the families surveyed were experiencing what researchers describe as high financial toxicity—the financial strain caused by medical expenses.
For these families, transparency can be especially important.
Interestingly, parents experiencing greater financial hardship were even more likely to want cost discussions with hospital staff.
This suggests that financial conversations may help support families who need it most.
One of the most interesting findings was that most parents were not looking to make medical decisions based primarily on cost.
Only about 29% said they actively consider costs when making imaging decisions for their children.
Instead, the research suggests parents mainly want cost information so they can:
In other words, most parents still want the imaging exam that their child needs—they simply want to know what to expect financially.
This study highlights an opportunity for healthcare organizations to better serve families.
Future improvements could include:
These changes could help families make informed healthcare decisions while reducing financial stress.
This research reinforces something many parents already know: healthcare decisions involve both medical and financial considerations.
The study found that:
Most importantly, the findings support a future in which pediatric healthcare is not only clinically excellent but also more transparent, supportive, and family-centered.
When families understand both the medical and financial aspects of care, they are better equipped to focus on what matters most—the health and well-being of their children.
Glenn Miñano is a media specialist in the Department of Radiology, providing graphic design, photography, printing, video services, and administration of the department’s online properties. His works have been published in several medical articles, such as the American Journal of Radiology and the American Institute of Ultrasound. He has been providing these services to the Radiology Department since 1996.
Editor: Meredith Towbin
