Procedures
Diagnostic spinal tap (lumbar puncture) cost in Virginia
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 Virginia
From 84 hospital and 0 clinic prices in Virginia.
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 Virginia
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 Virginia, from 84 providers. Most listed prices: $408–$2,113.
Cheapest totals nearby
- $240
- $262
- $262
- $58.45est. $240 total
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Buchanan General Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $81.18est. $262 total
Doctor fees are billed separately. +4 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Bedford Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Children's Hospital of The King's DaughtersSpinal tap (lumbar puncture), diagnosticFacility fee only$81.97est. $263 total
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters price file · checked Oct 2026 - $98.35est. $279 total
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Bath Community Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $283
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Lonesome Pine Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $283
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Russell County Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $283
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Smyth County Community Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $206est. $387 total
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Fauquier Health price file · checked Oct 2026 - $277est. $458 total
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Dickenson Community Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $277est. $458 total
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Lee County Community Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $283est. $464 total
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Johnston Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $477
Doctor fees are billed separately. +1 more in this system at the same published price.
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.