Procedures
Diagnostic spinal tap (lumbar puncture) cost in California
Diagnostic spinal tap (lumbar puncture) is an imaging test. Cash prices for imaging vary widely: hospitals often charge several times what an independent imaging center charges for the same scan.
Typical cash price
In California
From 286 hospital and 0 clinic prices in California.
Nationwide typical: $934 (most listed prices $337–$2,653).
Usually included: the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Good to know: Image-guided LP is coded 62328 (fluoro or CT included), which is a different bundle. 77003 is not added to 62270 for that.
Cheapest in California
Total price
Diagnostic spinal tap (lumbar puncture)
The facility fee + the doctor's fee
How totals are compared
Every total covers the same bundle: the facility fee + the doctor's fee. Where a hospital does not publish a part, the typical published amount is added and the total is marked estimated.
In California, from 286 providers. Most listed prices: $432–$3,237.
Cheapest totals nearby
- $217
- $221
- $221
- $113
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Catalina Island Health price file · checked Oct 2026 - $121
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Kaweah Delta Health Care District price file · checked Oct 2026 - $121
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Kaweah Health Mental Health Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - UCSF Medical Center & UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San FranciscoSpinal tap (lumbar puncture), diagnosticDoctor fee only$124
+1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: UCSF Medical Center & UCSF Benioff Children's Hosp price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $127
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Colorado River Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $136
Doctor fees are billed separately. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: Northern Inyo Healthcare District Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $138
Doctor fees are billed separately.
- $139
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Adventist Health Mendocino Coast price file · checked Oct 2026 - $147
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Mark Twain Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $158Source: Banner Lassen Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026
- $159
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Pacifica Hospital of the Valley price file · checked Oct 2026 - $192
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Adventist Health Delano price file · checked Oct 2026
Common questions
Is the radiologist's read included?
Not always. Hospitals usually list the scan (technical fee) and the radiologist's read (professional fee) separately. Many imaging centers quote one all-in price. Look for the "All-in", "Scan only" or "Read only" label on each price.
Do I need a referral?
Most imaging tests need an order from a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. Some imaging centers can arrange one; ask when you call.
Why are prices so different?
Each hospital and clinic sets its own cash price. Hospitals publish prices because federal rules require it; clinics and booking sites set prices to compete. The same service can cost several times more at one place than at another nearby.
Can I pay cash if I have insurance?
Yes. You can choose to self-pay. A cash price is often lower than what you would pay before meeting your deductible. Cash payments may not count toward your deductible, so check with your plan. Our cash vs. insurance tool can help you decide.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
If you are uninsured or paying cash, providers must give you a Good Faith Estimate of the cost on request. If your final bill is $400 or more above the estimate, you can dispute it.