Procedures
Draining fluid from belly (paracentesis), without imaging cost in Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania
From 127 hospital and 0 clinic prices in Pennsylvania.
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 Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania, from 127 providers. Most listed prices: $480–$3,621.
Cheapest totals nearby
- ChristianaCare Hospital, West Grove$265Hospital · West GroveEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $320
- Fulton County Medical Center$345Hospital · McconnellsburgEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $229
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Guthrie Towanda Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - ChristianaCare Hospital, West GroveDraining fluid from belly (paracentesis), without imagingScan only$50.62est. $265 total
The radiologist read is billed separately. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: ChristianaCare Hospital, West Grove price file · checked Oct 2026 - Chan Soon Shiong Medical Center at WindberDraining fluid from belly (paracentesis), without imagingScan only$290
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Chan Soon Shiong Medical Center at Windber price file · checked Oct 2026 - $294Source: Jefferson Abington Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
- $106est. $320 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Titusville Area Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $131est. $345 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Fulton County Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $134est. $349 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Bucktail Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $153est. $367 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: UPMC Cole price file · checked Oct 2026 - $179est. $393 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Reading Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $181est. $395 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Meadville Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $196est. $410 total
The radiologist read is billed separately. +1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: UPMC Community Osteopathic price file · checked Oct 2026 - $206est. $420 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Guthrie Troy Community 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.