Procedures
Percutaneous pleural drainage catheter (pigtail) insertion without imaging guidance cost in Texas
Percutaneous pleural drainage catheter (pigtail) insertion without imaging guidance 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 Texas
From 272 hospital and 0 clinic prices in Texas.
Nationwide typical: $2,000 (most listed prices $577–$4,905).
Usually included: the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Good to know: The image-guided version is 32557. Usually done in the ER or on inpatients, so it often also sits inside an ER visit bundle or inpatient DRG.
Cheapest in Texas
Total price
Percutaneous pleural drainage catheter (pigtail) insertion without imaging guidance
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 Texas, from 272 providers. Most listed prices: $636–$5,961.
Cheapest totals nearby
- University Medical Center Surgical Hospital$341Hospital · El PasoEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- University Medical Center of El Paso$341Hospital · El PasoEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $377
- $280Source: Crockett Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026
- $284
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- Hansford County Hospital DistrictChest drainage catheter insertion, without imaging guidanceRead only$289
Location not independently confirmed.
Source: Hansford County Hospital District price file · checked Oct 2026 - $293
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Cogdell Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - STAT Specialty Hospital – Del RioChest drainage catheter insertion, without imaging guidanceScan only$302
The radiologist read is billed separately. +2 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: STAT Specialty Hospital – Del Rio price file · checked Oct 2026 - $319
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- University Medical Center Surgical HospitalChest drainage catheter insertion, without imaging guidanceScan only$104est. $341 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: University Medical Center Surgical Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - University Medical Center of El PasoChest drainage catheter insertion, without imaging guidanceScan only$104est. $341 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: University Medical Center of El Paso price file · checked Oct 2026 - $364
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: North Texas Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - Texas Scottish Rite for Children Dallas CampusChest drainage catheter insertion, without imaging guidanceScan only$364
The radiologist read is billed separately. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: Texas Scottish Rite for Children Dallas Campus price file · checked Oct 2026 - $139est. $377 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Coryell Health price file · checked Oct 2026 - Baylor Scott & White Emergency Hospital AubreyChest drainage catheter insertion, without imaging guidanceScan only$378
The radiologist read is billed separately. +1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Baylor Scott & White Emergency Hospital Aubrey 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.