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Ultrasound Cost

How Much Does an Ultrasound Cost?

low cost Average: $200

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An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves, inaudible to the human ear, which are transmitted through the abdomen to produce images of a baby inside the womb. An ultrasound, also referred to as a sonogram, is performed on most pregnant women at 20 weeks to confirm that the placenta is healthy and to measure the baby's growth and development.
 
Typical costs:
  • An ultrasound performed by a licensed medical professional - either a physician or a registered medical diagnostic sonographer - usually costs around $200 according to Parenting Magazine. Medical insurance generally covers the cost of an ultrasound if it is deemed medically necessary.
  • If an expectant mother gets an ultrasound only to see the baby or to find out its sex, the insurance company may not pay for the procedure. The cost of an ultrasound varies by insurance plan.
What should be included:
  • Gel is rubbed on the mother's belly, and a transducer is gently pressed against the skin on the abdomen, sending sound waves that reflect images of the baby that appear on a television monitor. The sonographer records measurements and takes still pictures, which can be taken home.
  • During the first trimester, ultrasounds are often done through the vagina with a specially designed probe and can provide better images. An ultrasound takes 15 to 20 minutes. While not 100 percent accurate, ultrasounds can pick up most serious birth defects or problem pregnancies.
  • The more experienced the doctor or technician, the more accurate the results. Some facilities are accredited by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.
Additional costs:
  • So called "keepsake" ultrasounds performed at stand-alone ultrasound facilities not affiliated with medical offices or clinics perform 3-D images for a range of prices starting at $99 and running up to $300 for black-and-white pictures, videos, CD photo slideshows and color photos. However, the American Institute of Ultrasound and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not recommend ultrasounds for non-medical or entertainment purposes. Unskilled technicians incorrectly interpret ultrasounds, and equipment may not be in good working order.
Shopping for an ultrasound:
  • Startby asking your health insurance company whether the procedure will be covered. If you don't have insurance, or your insurance company won't cover the cost of a sonogram, ask your obstetrician, midwife or other healthcare provider for the names of experienced, licensed sonographers in your area. Many obstetricians perform ultrasounds themselves.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. For medical decisions, always consult your physician for the right course for your infant or child.
 
Article updated March 2007
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

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Pregnancy NT Ultrasound and labs
Amount: $100.28
Posted by: Patricia1982 in Milwaukee, WI.Posted: November 12th, 2009 09:11AM
Covered by Insurance?: 401.20Medical Center: Aurora Clinic
My doctor\'s office is located at the clinic which has the ultrasound and lab facilities right there. I went in for the 12 week pregnancy NT ultrasound and blood work. The ulratsound was performed by a tech and took about 30 minutes or so. This was covered at 80% so I paid $76.14 and my insurance paid $304.64. The blood work was covered at 80% also so I paid $24.14 and my insurance paid $96.56. There were no facility or hospital charges since this was not performed at a hospital but in the clinic. I was also in-network with my Cigna Insurance so I am sure that helped. I would suggest for anyone getting an ultrasound to look into having it done at a clinic or other non-hospital location.
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Abdominal
Amount: $2,082.00
Posted by: B. Burke in Chattanooga, TN.Posted: November 30th, 2009 09:11AM
Covered by Insurance?: yeah, with a $3,000 deductibleMedical Center: Northpark Memorial
I was being checked for gallstones. I asked BEFORE the procedure what the cost would be. Nobody could tell me. But I had had a procedure at this same hospital previously that was going to cost $450 and they made me prepay. It made sense to me that this would be NO MORE THAN that since they didn't ask me to prepay! I was told after the fact that hospitals always charge more, yet I had been given no choice by my doctor as to where I would have the procedure. Their office made the appointment. What's worse, the doctor knew of the high deductible. I feel as if they are saying "gotcha" because I have no recourse at this point.
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Pregnancy Ultrasound - 1st Trimester
Amount: $3,876.00
Posted by: JPF in Hoboken, NJ.Posted: February 23rd, 2010 06:02AM
Covered by Insurance?: 80%Medical Center: Hoboken Medical Facility
Complete Ripoff. We got this bill after we had just gone for the 2nd time. When we called to complain, they stated that as a facility they needed to cover other overhead costs.
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NT Ultrasound
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Michelle J. in San Diego, CA.Posted: March 7th, 2010 04:03PM
Covered by Insurance?: 100%Medical Center: Sharp Reese Stealy
My insurance policy through a 'small group' at a family owned business costs $342/mo. My prenatal care is covered 100% with ZERO co-pays. The delivery is $500/day copay and the rest is covered 100%. Pacificare has been unbelievable, I can not say that about ANY other company I have experienced!
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Pregnancy Ultrasound
Amount: $243.06
Posted by: JHM in Bountiful, UT.Posted: March 16th, 2010 02:03PM
Covered by Insurance?: yes, with $5,000 deductibleMedical Center: Lakeview OBGYN
The office billed my insurance $378, $134.94 of it was adjusted off, leaving me a bill of $243.06. Although less expensive than most previous posters, way too much for 10 minutes of tech's time. I want to be paid $1,458 per hour too! I'm in the wrong profession!
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Pregnancy Ultrasounds
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: PJS in Canada in Toronto,Canada, Other.Posted: April 7th, 2010 04:04PM
Covered by Insurance?: YupMedical Center: Toronto East General Ultrasound Clinic
For all the hype about us Canadians being unhappy with our healthcare system, I have to say, I'm not. Didn't pay a dime (aside from our taxes) for pregnancy and delivery and 10 days of my son in ICU and had great care. Yes, there are waitlists for non-urgent procedures, but when you need it, the system is there, regardless of what's in your wallet.
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Pregnancy Ultrasound
Amount: $700.00
Posted by: EK in Peoria, IL.Posted: April 22nd, 2010 01:04PM
Covered by Insurance?: SomeMedical Center: OSF St. Francis Maternal & Fetal Medical
I had somewhere between 16-20 ultrasounds. I had a high risk pregnancy and they were keeping a close eye on the baby. Each ultrasound cost around $700 plus the costs from the doctor and "lab" for reading the results. Luckily our insurance picked up the cost after we paid $2500 out of pocket. Even with all that expense my daughter was totally worth it and is perfect.
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Enlarged uterus
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Retired Military Wife in Junction City, KS.Posted: April 29th, 2010 05:04PM
Covered by Insurance?: YesMedical Center: Geary Community Hospital
I received my claim summary today and was shocked with how much the hospital billed the insurance ($724.00). The allowed cost the insurance paid was $86.68 which I feel is what it should cost. It took no more than 30 minutes with a technician.
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Ultrasound
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: take a stand in Willows, CA.Posted: May 11th, 2010 10:05PM
Covered by Insurance?: Sort ofMedical Center: Glenn Medical
Belly ache - referred as the physician thought it was gall bladder. Facility looked like a WW1 bomb shelter resplendent with lime green lead paint. Bill= $600 for ultrasound, $225 to read it. insurance covered most of reading and $20 for the ultrasound and disallowed $40 on the bill - my tab- $540. For a procedure that took 30 minutes on a machine they probably bought used (many used ones sell for 5-10K). No wonder health care is so screwed up. I will negotiate for a max of $200 and refuse payment beyond that. Gov't analysis suggests price should be $125-200 for the procedure
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Ultrasound cost 20 wks
Amount: $716.85
Posted by: Marie St. Claire in Nashville, TN.Posted: May 14th, 2010 10:05AM
Covered by Insurance?: yesMedical Center: TN Maternal Fetal Med
Bill was $1822. Seriously outrageous - the OB/GYN global charge for csection is only slightly more and the US lasted 30 mins. Insurance waived $1,105 of the fee and I paid the rest.
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transvaginal ultrasound
Amount: $740.40
Posted by: rmf in Stevens Point,, WI.Posted: May 17th, 2010 05:05AM
Covered by Insurance?: noMedical Center: Ministry Medical Group
Unbelievable, so much money for 15 minutes of a follow up test to find nothing is wrong. Just as the doctor said 6 months ago. I feel robbed.
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Ultrasound in Qatar
Amount: $80.00
Posted by: TSL in Doha, Other.Posted: May 20th, 2010 02:05PM
Covered by Insurance?: -Medical Center: Al-Hayat
In Qatar, an ultrasound (+3D/4D imaging) cost me only $80. The doctor even threw in a FREE DVD of the ultrasound for me. Now I\\\'m back in the States to deliver and they are telling me that my ultrasounds here will cost me $800!!! The kicker is that they are using the exact same machine as the clinic in Qatar.
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Ultrasounds in France
Amount: $95.00
Posted by: Melanie in Paris France, Other.Posted: May 30th, 2010 02:05AM
Covered by Insurance?: YesMedical Center: Private clinic (Paris), HCL Lyon
In France, you are advised to have three ultrasounds : one at 12 weeks, one at 21 and one during the 8th month.

I had my first one too early to check the neck (for signs of Trisomy 21), so I had a second ultrasound two weeks later. The cost of both were 95€ together (thats 45 and 50€), but the government health aid paid me back 60, and my health insurance will pay the rest.

My 21 week ultrasound was done in a Hospital in Lyon, and I didn't up-pay anything, the hospital will get paid directly from the gov and my health insurance.

The 8 month ultrasound is paid for by the government health plan.

But what surprises me is not only the incredible fees you have to pay in the US, but the huge differences between Centers ! In France, the cost is fixed, and private clinics can ask for more, but the prices have to be listed on the wall. As an example, my OB cost 60€ each visit. The usual price is 23€, in his waiting room, there's the list of prices for each type of exam he does, and how much he asks for, and how much is paid for by insurance... No surprises !

Just so you know, it's like this for all health care in France. It's probably the most important thing in our society, a shared health plan... no one get's left behind. I got operated on a few years ago, before I had health insurance. The took out my gall bladder, and I had to stay 5 days in the clinic. I was charged 118€ for the whole thing.
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Adominal Ultrasound
Amount: $279.99
Posted by: Danny from Cherokee, IA in Cherokee, IA.Posted: June 20th, 2010 10:06PM
Covered by Insurance?: NoMedical Center: Cherokee Reginal Medical Center
I had an ultrasound to check my adominal area specially my gullbladder. Well they didnt find anything, and still I have stomach pains.
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level 2 ultrasound
Amount: $1,401.73
Posted by: Holy Cow!! in California in Fremont, CA.Posted: July 22nd, 2010 10:07PM
Covered by Insurance?: $596.65Medical Center: Washington Hospital Fremont, Ca
I nearly passed out when I got a bill for the remaining balance. $805.08 YIKES. Scan to check for fibroids due to extremely heavy periods.
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EXCESSIVE CHARGES FOR SIMPLE ULTRASOUND
Amount: $1,192.00
Posted by: SICK OF MEDICAL CHEATS in Oakland, CA.Posted: September 22nd, 2010 01:09PM
Covered by Insurance?: APPROX $815Medical Center: Part of "NONPROFIT" Hospital System
Went in for simple abdominal ultrasound where they "grease" you with gel and glide a "mouse" over your abdomen. Was in disbelief when we received the billing that showed a charge of $1192.00 for the procedure! Health insurance paid $815 and the amount due was "adjusted" (due to contracts with ins. co.) but they still wanted more money from us. Called (several calls) and demanded an ITEMIZATION TO SHOW WHY THIS PROCEDURE COST SO MUCH, & eventually they "adjusted" the amount due down to -0- due, rather than show breakdown of itemized costs! VERY SUSPICIOUS.
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Ultra sound
Amount: $2,438.00
Posted by: Robert Parker in Richmond, VA.Posted: September 24th, 2010 12:09PM
Covered by Insurance?: YesMedical Center: St. Mary's Hospital
Stay away from St. Mary's in Richmond. They are unrepentant crooks
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Pregnancy
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Johanna in Amarillo, TX.Posted: September 30th, 2010 09:09AM
Covered by Insurance?: 100%Medical Center: Local OB/GYN office, Schweinfurt, German
I know it probably won't be helpful to figure out the cost of an ultrasound here in the US. But I just had to write a comment for this. I am german citizen, but now live in the States, my first son was still born in germany and there no matter if you have a job or not, you always have health care insurance. I had 16 ultrasounds done during my pregnancy, which was a little more then normal since I had a complicated pregnancy. But even the normal procedures are 1 ultrasound every month, until the 7th month then every two weeks and after the 8th month every week. I just think that something as important as an ultrasound for a pregnancy should never be as expensive as I have read along these comments. It is not only for the mother but also to assure your child is doing ok. Since I have had a pretty difficult pregnancy and birth, and after seeing how conditions are in other countries, I have decided to definetely go back to Germany in case we will have another child. I wouldn't want to imagine how much it would cost me to get ultrasounds done, if the next pregnancy would bring the same complications.
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Ultrasound Pregnancy
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Thank God that we still have the best health system in the world in Shawnee, KS.Posted: October 24th, 2010 10:10PM
Covered by Insurance?: YesMedical Center: Women's clinic, Shawnee, KS
During pregnancy there is 1 free ultrasound and all the medically necessary ultrasounds covered by insurance (Blue cross blue shield). There is one small $30 copay for the entire pregnancy and a $100/day charge for the hospital to a maximum 5 days. The most out of pocket is $530 for medically necessary tests and imaging. If the patient wants to look at the fetus, then there will be a charge.

It's all a matter of the premiums everyone is willing to pay. We are on the maximum HMO offered through our workplace.
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Week 20 Pregnancy Ultrasound
Amount: $1,260.00
Posted by: I wish usual and customary charges were standard in US health care in Billings, MT.Posted: October 28th, 2010 01:10PM
Covered by Insurance?: 75%Medical Center: Billings Clinic
Blue Cross covered the 1st ultrasound for dating the birth and verifying life. That one was $309. No wonder they pay 100% for the 1st one. This US was on the belly and a transvaginal to measure cervical length. Tech fees: $829. Doc fees (to read them, even tho the tech told us everything as she worked): $431. I owe 315 after insurance, which isn't as bad as the $1260 sticker shock, but STILL. ugh.
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abdominal, pelvic, transvaginal
Amount: $3,400.00
Posted by: a user in Winfield, IL.Posted: November 5th, 2010 11:11AM
Covered by Insurance?: I hopd so...Medical Center: Central Dupage Hospital
Wow. I just recieved the bill from the hospital this week for 3 ultrasounds. I have been having pain in my right pelvic region so my doctor ordered all 3. $3,400!! That's just unbelievable. Hopefully my insurance will cover all of it. Still waiting to get the paperwork to see how much it covers
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ultrasound sonogram/heart
Amount: $20.00
Posted by: johnlou in Kittanning, PA.Posted: November 21st, 2010 05:11PM
Covered by Insurance?: medicareMedical Center: armstrong county memorial hosp
went to my cardiologist for yearly check up and was requested to have a sonogram in his interest as to my 81 year old mild heart valve condition. Never explained a co-payment even though it is small, and thought that it would be covered by medicare and my $35 doctor visit copayment $20 the bill was $1,725 to medicare. you think they would have been happy to cover the mesily $20 for them , but is a dent in my retirement at my age and lack of funds for this sort of greed of health care. darn if i will go back for any analitical procedure requested by any doctor that benefits him, and should have paid for it himself for this type of information, if he wants to ride the medical train then he should pay the ticket.
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Upcoming Breast US
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: bubblesbanks in Carlsbad, NM.Posted: November 21st, 2010 06:11PM
Covered by Insurance?: NoMedical Center: Carlsbad Medical Center
I work in the medical field, but have choosen to have no insurance, because the increased cost was more then what health care I use. Just found a lump in my L breast. Set-up appointments with the local hospital, and tried to set-up a payment plan. They would not give me a cost for the mammogram or US. They said they could not set-up the account till after the cost have been incurred. Hmmmm......smell fishy? From all the responders post here it looks like my US could be $280 to $3000. I will keep you posted, but I think we as consumers should be told straight-up what the cost of test are going to be. It is part of the patient's rights to know. I will keep everyone posted on what becomes of this adventure.
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$200? Where?
Amount: $465.00
Posted by: ah in Walnut Creek, CA.Posted: January 26th, 2011 04:01PM
Covered by Insurance?: yesMedical Center:
Prenatal ultrasound in SF East Bay Area is over $400 w/no insurance, and if you have insurance then it depends on your co-pay. With our insurance its a $99 copay.
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Breast Ultrasound
Amount: $765.00
Posted by: eaf in Longmont, CO.Posted: January 31st, 2011 11:01AM
Covered by Insurance?: after 2000.00 ded.Medical Center: Longmont United Hospital
Women's Diagnostic Center at Longmont United Hosptial charged 765.00 for a simple breast ultrasound after a suspicious mamogram. Insurance wouldn't pay, as a $2000.00 deductible had to be met first. Outrageous!
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expensive cardio ultrasound which answered NOTHING
Amount: $2,688.05
Posted by: feeling ripped off and frustrated in Austin, TX.Posted: February 8th, 2011 10:02AM
Covered by Insurance?: yes, partiallyMedical Center: Frontera Strategies LP
wife has had MVP all her life, finally decided to get it checked for the first time since she was 15, big mistake, $2688.05 billed, we have to pay $1092.16 for tests that literally told us nothing. Planning to dispute but not optimistic about getting anywhere.
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Pelvic Ultrasound-St. Croix Regional Medical Center
Amount: $800.00
Posted by: AA in St. Croix Falls, WI.Posted: June 16th, 2011 07:06PM
Covered by Insurance?: YesMedical Center: St. Croix Regional Medical Center
I had an accidental lapse in insurance when I got my pelvic ultrasound so I had to pay the cash rates. The rate was $1100 and some change and they gave me a 20% discount (woohoo-not) so I ended up paying over $800.00. Still way too much for an ultrasound.

Upon receiving an EOB for other services I noted that SCRMC billed services are higher than other area clinics, however, they're nicer. The billing department will fill you in on cash rates for specific services (you need to know what exactly you're getting) if you call.
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kate
Amount: $48.00
Posted by: kate5796 in seoul, .Posted: September 24th, 2011 12:09AM
Covered by Insurance?: noMedical Center: obgyn
Im in South Korea right now and it costs me 48 dollars to get a weekly ultrasound done because it isnt covered by insurance tho i dont have to pay for doc visits and the.gov here gave me 400 dollars to spend on at the doctors. The doctors are good but not as thorough as American docs but still not bad and much cheaper.
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Pelvic OB Ultrasound (check cervical length)
Amount: $7,316.00
Posted by: Have been scammed!!! in Philadelphia, PA.Posted: December 19th, 2011 01:12PM
Covered by Insurance?: 2,784Medical Center: Penn Care OBGYN (Penn Hospital)
Had my 20 week anatomy ultrasound and they wanted to check my cervical length to be sure. They billed $323 for the anatomy scan which is fine and then billed $7,316 for the pelvic ultrasound that was done by a resident and took less than 60 seconds. After non-allowable amount and my insurance I owe $696.20 for the pelvic ultrasound. I am furious. How do you charge over $7,000 for a pelvic ultrasound that took 60 seconds???????? If they do not adjust my bill, you will see this on the news. I am fighting this!!!!!!!
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Ultrasound
Amount: $20.00
Posted by: Araceli in Monterrey, Other.Posted: March 1st, 2012 10:03AM
Covered by Insurance?: noMedical Center: Private Medical Center
ItΒ΄s a simple procedure and they just charge what it is. The doctor was really good precise, kind, and filled out really detailed the form that my doctor asked.
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Scamming already-scared women!
Amount: $265.00
Posted by: Samarah in Houston, TX.Posted: April 11th, 2012 06:04PM
Covered by Insurance?: only after $750 deductableMedical Center: Memorial Hermann Imaging
got my "diagnostic" mammogram done. They insisted on calling it "diagnostic" b/c my doctor wanted an area checked. That cost me $265 out of pocket because of my $750 deductable. A so-called "screening" mammogram is totally covered by BCBS once a year. (They got the "BS" part right!!!) They told me (BEFORE SENDING PICTURES TO MY DOCTOR) that they would "have to refer me for an ultrasound because it was standard procedure when the doctor felt something". Translation: we\\\\\\\'ve figured out a new way to scam innocent women because of the vulnerable position they have found themselves in. That WOULD have cost me at least $200-300 MORE out of pocket. I waited about one week and saw results "NORMAL" on my doctor\\\\\\\'s website. However, they called her the day of the mammogram and told her to write a referral for the ultrasound. Tell me if I\\\\\\\'m wrong: shouldn\\\\\\\'t the doctor get to see the pics first, then decide whether to refer for further testing? The way it was done was suspicious, and definitely sounds like a medical racket. I will get to talk to my doctor tomorrow and hopefully get to the bottom of this crap.
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First Trimester Ultrasound
Amount: $760.00
Posted by: hautemama2010 in Grafton, WI.Posted: April 15th, 2012 09:04PM
Covered by Insurance?: YesMedical Center: Aurora Hospital, Grafton, WI
Went in to get checked out due to spotting. Had a 15 minute session where both an external and transvaginal ultrasound was performed. The bill was astounding, not to mention it added insult to injury due to the fact that I lost the baby. The original amount before the negotiated rate was over $1200, which is the amount I'll have to pay should I go on to have a successful pregnancy (I have an individual policy that does not cover routine maternity care.) Yeah... I'm going to be looking for another option when I get pregnant again!
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