Procedures
Thoracentesis (pleural fluid drainage) without imaging guidance cost in Georgia
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 Georgia
From 81 hospital and 0 clinic prices in Georgia.
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 Georgia
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 Georgia, from 81 providers. Most listed prices: $441–$2,717.
Cheapest totals nearby
- $272
- $336
- $336
- St Marys Health Care SystemDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingRead only$219Source: St Marys Health Care System price file · checked Oct 2026
- $66.50est. $272 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Jeff Davis Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Hospital Authority of Ben Hill dba Dorminy Medical CenterDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$308
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Hospital Authority of Ben Hill dba Dorminy Medical price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $131est. $336 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Phoebe Putney price file · checked Oct 2026 - $131est. $336 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Phoebe Sumter price file · checked Oct 2026 - $131est. $336 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Phoebe Worth price file · checked Oct 2026 - $167est. $372 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Miller County Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Stephens County HospitalDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$171est. $376 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Stephens County Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Atrium Health Navicent PeachDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$185est. $390 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Atrium Health Navicent Peach price file · checked Oct 2026 - Chatuge Regional HospitalDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$397
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Chatuge Regional Hospital price file · checked Nov 2026 - $197est. $402 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Emanuel Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $435
The radiologist read is billed separately. +6 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Emory Decatur Hospital 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.