Radiation Oncology
Targeted radiation therapy for cancer treatment, delivered by specialists who design and oversee precision treatment plans
Radiation Oncology is the specialty focused on targeted radiation therapy for cancer treatment, delivered by specialists who design and oversee precision treatment plans. OpenDoc keeps the common visit types visible so patients can compare the care path before they book. Transparent pricing on this page currently ranges from $100 to $15,000 across 12 common visit types. Radiation Oncologists are physicians who use precisely targeted radiation to treat cancer, often as an alternative or complement to surgery and chemotherapy. Over 50% of all cancer patients receive radiation therapy at some point in their treatment. OpenDoc providers offer transparent consultation pricing starting at $250, enabling patients to get second opinions and treatment planning quotes before committing to a facility — where total treatment costs can exceed $50,000 through insurance-based opaque billing.
Common services and transparent pricing
Pricing estimates are modeled from the current OpenDoc specialty taxonomy, visit archetypes, and transparent cash-pay assumptions. Posted provider pricing should be treated as the source of truth whenever it is available. Pricing last reviewed April 8, 2026.
- Radiation Oncology Consultation — $250–$500: Radiation Oncology Consultation is a common radiation oncology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Second Opinion Consultation — $300–$600: Second Opinion Consultation is a common radiation oncology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Treatment Planning Session — $500–$1500: Treatment Planning Session is a common radiation oncology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- CT Simulation Session — $500–$1200: CT Simulation Session is a common radiation oncology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Radiation Therapy — Per Fraction (IMRT) — $800–$2000: Radiation Therapy — Per Fraction (IMRT) is a common radiation oncology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Radiation Therapy — Per Fraction (3D Conformal) — $500–$1200: Radiation Therapy — Per Fraction (3D Conformal) is a common radiation oncology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Stereotactic Body Radiation (SBRT) — Per Fraction — $2000–$5000: Stereotactic Body Radiation (SBRT) — Per Fraction is a common radiation oncology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) — Single Session — $5000–$15000: Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) — Single Session is a common radiation oncology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Brachytherapy Consultation — $300–$600: Brachytherapy Consultation is a common radiation oncology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Follow-Up Visit (On Treatment) — $100–$200: Follow-Up Visit (On Treatment) is a common radiation oncology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Follow-Up Visit (Post Treatment) — $150–$300: Follow-Up Visit (Post Treatment) is a common radiation oncology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Custom Immobilization Device Fitting — $200–$500: Custom Immobilization Device Fitting is a procedure-oriented radiation oncology service with transparent pricing shown before anything happens.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a radiation oncology consultation cost without insurance?
A radiation oncology consultation typically costs $250 to $500 cash pay. This includes review of your pathology, imaging, and surgical reports, along with a detailed discussion of whether radiation is appropriate and what type of treatment plan would be recommended.
How much does a full course of radiation therapy cost out of pocket?
Total costs vary enormously by treatment type. A standard course of 25-30 fractions of IMRT may cost $20,000 to $60,000 total. SBRT (3-5 treatments) may cost $8,000 to $25,000. Single-session radiosurgery ranges from $5,000 to $15,000. Cash-pay consultation lets you understand the full financial picture before committing.
What is the difference between IMRT and SBRT radiation?
IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy) delivers moderate doses over 5-8 weeks (25-40 fractions), shaping beams to match tumor contours. SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy) delivers very high doses in 3-5 treatments over 1-2 weeks. SBRT is used for small, well-defined tumors, while IMRT handles larger treatment areas.
Do I need a referral to see a radiation oncologist?
No referral is required for a cash-pay consultation on OpenDoc. Patients commonly seek radiation oncology consultations for second opinions on treatment plans, to compare facility pricing, or to evaluate whether radiation is an appropriate alternative to surgery for their specific cancer diagnosis.
How long does each radiation treatment session take?
The actual radiation delivery takes only 5 to 15 minutes, but you should plan for 15 to 30 minutes total per session including setup and positioning. The first session may take longer. SBRT and SRS sessions take 30 to 120 minutes due to more precise positioning and higher dose delivery requirements.
Is a second opinion in radiation oncology worth the cost?
Yes, studies show that radiation treatment plans change in 10-20% of second opinion cases. Differences may include treatment technique, dose, number of fractions, or even whether radiation is recommended at all. A $300 to $600 second opinion consultation can significantly impact treatment outcomes and total costs.
What are the side effects of radiation therapy?
Side effects depend on the treatment area. Common effects include skin irritation (like mild sunburn), fatigue, and site-specific symptoms — such as difficulty swallowing for head/neck radiation or urinary frequency for pelvic radiation. Most acute side effects resolve within weeks after treatment completion. Your radiation oncologist will discuss expected side effects specific to your treatment plan.
Can radiation therapy be used instead of surgery for cancer?
In some cases, yes. Radiation is a primary curative treatment for many prostate, head and neck, cervical, and certain lung cancers. For early-stage prostate cancer, radiation and surgery have comparable cure rates. A radiation oncology consultation can help you understand whether radiation is a viable alternative to surgery for your specific diagnosis.