Procedures
Diagnostic spinal tap (lumbar puncture) cost in Colorado
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 Colorado
From 88 hospital and 1 clinic prices in Colorado.
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 Colorado
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 Colorado, from 89 providers. Most listed prices: $369–$3,739.
Cheapest totals nearby
- Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus$234Hospital · AuroraEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- Colorado West Healthcare System dba Community Hospital$280Hospital · Grand JunctionEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $303
- $143Source: East Morgan County Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
- Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusSpinal tap (lumbar puncture), diagnosticFacility fee only$53.30est. $234 total
Doctor fees are billed separately. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Camp price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $250
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Conejos County Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $250
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $263
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Southwest Health System price file · checked Oct 2026 - Colorado West Healthcare System dba Community HospitalSpinal tap (lumbar puncture), diagnosticFacility fee only$98.56est. $280 total
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Colorado West Healthcare System dba Community Hosp price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $280
Doctor fees are billed separately. +2 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Middle Park Health - Fraser price file · checked Oct 2026 - Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical CenterSpinal tap (lumbar puncture), diagnosticFacility fee only$288
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $299
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Pagosa Springs Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $121est. $303 total
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Mt. San Rafael Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $128est. $309 total
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Grand River Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $326
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: St. Vincent Health 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.