Procedures
Thoracentesis (pleural fluid drainage) without imaging guidance cost in Colorado
Thoracentesis (pleural fluid drainage) 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 Colorado
From 74 hospital and 0 clinic prices in Colorado.
Nationwide typical: $1,035 (most listed prices $415–$2,779).
Usually included: the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Good to know: Ultrasound-guided thoracentesis (32555) is now the norm and is priced as a separate bundle.
Cheapest in Colorado
Total price
Thoracentesis (pleural fluid drainage) 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 Colorado, from 74 providers. Most listed prices: $387–$3,195.
Cheapest totals nearby
- $302
- Colorado West Healthcare System dba Community Hospital$318Hospital · Grand JunctionEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- Southeast Colorado Hospital District$333Hospital · SpringfieldEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- East Morgan County HospitalDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingRead only$111Source: East Morgan County Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
- $236
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: St. Vincent Health price file · checked Oct 2026 - Middle Park Health - FraserDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$279
The radiologist read is billed separately. +2 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Middle Park Health - Fraser price file · checked Oct 2026 - Southwest Health SystemDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$97est. $302 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Southwest Health System price file · checked Oct 2026 - Rangely District HospitalDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$307
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Rangely District Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Colorado West Healthcare System dba Community HospitalDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$113est. $318 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Colorado West Healthcare System dba Community Hosp price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $325
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Grand River Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Family Health West HospitalDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$333
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Family Health West Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Southeast Colorado Hospital DistrictDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$128est. $333 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Southeast Colorado Hospital District price file · checked Oct 2026 - Gunnison Valley HospitalDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$130est. $335 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Gunnison Valley Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - PAM Specialty Hospital of DenverDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$153est. $358 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: PAM Specialty Hospital of Denver price file · checked Oct 2026 - $155est. $360 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Prowers Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026
See all prices for Thoracentesis (pleural fluid drainage) without 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.