Interventional Radiology
Thoracentesis (pleural fluid drainage) with imaging guidance cost in Michigan
Thoracentesis (pleural fluid drainage) with 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 Michigan
From 81 hospital and 0 clinic prices in Michigan.
Nationwide typical: $1,337 (most listed prices $479–$3,534).
Usually included: the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Good to know: Therapeutic-only taps may have no fluid labs. Diagnostic taps almost always add fluid labs and often cytology.
Cheapest in Michigan
Total price
Thoracentesis (pleural fluid drainage) with 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 Michigan, from 81 providers. Most listed prices: $365–$2,550.
Cheapest totals nearby
- University of Michigan Health – West$349Hospital · WyomingEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $357
- Covenant Medical Center Cooper$357Hospital · SaginawEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- University of Michigan Health-Sparrow CarsonDraining fluid around lung (thoracentesis) with imaging guidanceRead only$61Source: University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Carson price file · checked Oct 2026
- University of Michigan Health-Sparrow ClintonDraining fluid around lung (thoracentesis) with imaging guidanceRead only$61Source: University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Clinton price file · checked Oct 2026
- University of Michigan Health-Sparrow EatonDraining fluid around lung (thoracentesis) with imaging guidanceRead only$61Source: University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Eaton price file · checked Oct 2026
- University of Michigan Health-Sparrow IoniaDraining fluid around lung (thoracentesis) with imaging guidanceRead only$61Source: University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Ionia price file · checked Oct 2026
- University of Michigan Health-Sparrow LansingDraining fluid around lung (thoracentesis) with imaging guidanceRead only$61Source: University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Lansing price file · checked Oct 2026
- Henry Ford Jackson HospitalDraining fluid around lung (thoracentesis) with imaging guidanceRead only$129
- $136
+1 more in this system at the same published price.
- $136
- Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital:Draining fluid around lung (thoracentesis) with imaging guidanceRead only$136
- $172
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Memorial Healthcare price file · checked Oct 2026 - University of Michigan HealthDraining fluid around lung (thoracentesis) with imaging guidanceRead only$210Source: University of Michigan Health price file · checked Oct 2026
- $215
The radiologist read is billed separately.
See all prices for Thoracentesis (pleural fluid drainage) with imaging guidance
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.