How much does a scrotal ultrasound scan cost privately in the UK? (2026)

A private scrotal ultrasound assesses the testicles and surrounding structures, and is used for a lump, swelling, pain or fertility concerns, to distinguish common benign causes from those needing urgent treatment.

We looked at the self-pay price lists several hospital groups make public. For scrotal ultrasound scan, the figures ran from £290 to £337, and the table gives each one with the hospital and the exact item named in its list.

A guide price can move after assessment, for example if your consultant recommends a different variant. Always ask for the final figure in writing before agreeing.

You lie on your back with a towel supporting the scrotum while a probe and gel are used. The sonographer looks at each testicle, the epididymis and the veins, and may use Doppler to check blood flow.

The report separates changes that need action from common harmless findings such as small cysts or varicoceles. Ask whether a doctor will explain results, since the scan on its own may leave you with questions.

Several things move the cost of scrotal ultrasound scan up or down. These are the ones worth asking about first.

• Doppler assessment: checking blood flow is part of most scans but can be priced as an extra, especially if torsion is a concern.

• Urgency: sudden severe testicular pain is an emergency and should go to A&E, not a booked private scan.

• Operator and reporting: a scan reported by a radiologist differs in cost from a sonographer-only report.

• The provider: published ultrasound prices vary by hospital.

• Linked clinic: urology or andrology review adds a consultation fee.

Quotes rarely list everything, so it helps to know what to look for. The table sets out typical inclusions and extras for this procedure.

Insurers normally cover scrotal ultrasound on referral for a lump or pain. Check whether a consultant appointment is also covered.

If you are using insurance, get pre-authorisation in writing before treatment and ask which fees your policy limits could leave uncovered. If you are paying yourself, some hospital groups offer medical finance subject to status; check the rate, term and total repayable before agreeing.

NHS testicular problems are assessed by GPs and urology, with suspected cancer referred urgently. Emergency pain is dealt with in A&E.

In England the NHS aims to start non-urgent consultant-led treatment within 18 weeks of referral, and patients can ask to be offered alternative providers if that is likely to be exceeded. Actual waits vary by trust and specialty.

There is no recovery. The cost implication lies in any follow-up, such as treatment for a cyst or surgery.

Few people need more than the planned care, but the cost position if they do is worth settling before treatment.

• Sudden severe pain in a testicle, especially with nausea, may be torsion and is a surgical emergency; go to A&E immediately.

• A hard lump or a change in shape should be checked promptly, and a GP can refer on a fast pathway.

When you have two or three estimates, these questions help you see which is genuinely the better value.

• Is Doppler included in the quote?

• Who reports the scan, and when?

• Is a urology review included or extra?

• Is there a chaperone option?

• Are professional fees and hospital charges shown as separate lines, and is the total a firm figure or an estimate?