Procedures
Draining fluid from belly (paracentesis), without imaging cost in North Carolina
Draining fluid from belly (paracentesis), without imaging 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 North Carolina
From 87 hospital and 0 clinic prices in North Carolina.
Nationwide typical: $1,160 (most listed prices $403–$3,120).
Usually included: the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Good to know: Office paracentesis has no separate facility charge.
Cheapest in North Carolina
Total price
Draining fluid from belly (paracentesis), without imaging
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 North Carolina, from 87 providers. Most listed prices: $562–$1,566.
Cheapest totals nearby
- Catawba Valley Health System$302Hospital · HickoryEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital$335Hospital · ElkinEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $454
- $88est. $302 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Catawba Valley Health System price file · checked Oct 2026 - $121est. $335 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $343Source: Community Hospital of Stokes price file · checked Oct 2026
- $366
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Alamance Regional Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $366
The radiologist read is billed separately. +3 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Annie Penn Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $409
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: The Outer Banks Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Health High Point Medical CenterDraining fluid from belly (paracentesis), without imagingScan only$413
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Health High Poin price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $442
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: ECU Health North Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $449
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: ECU Health Duplin Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $240est. $454 total
The radiologist read is billed separately. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: Granville Health System price file · checked Oct 2026 - Charles A Cannon Jr Memorial HospitalDraining fluid from belly (paracentesis), without imagingScan only$456
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- $465
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: ECU Health Chowan Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
See all prices for Draining fluid from belly (paracentesis), without imaging
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.