Procedures
Thoracentesis (pleural fluid drainage) without imaging guidance cost in Kentucky
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 Kentucky
From 68 hospital and 0 clinic prices in Kentucky.
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 Kentucky
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 Kentucky, from 68 providers. Most listed prices: $415–$2,393.
Cheapest totals nearby
- Carroll County Memorial Hospital$264Hospital · CarrolltonEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- Harrison Memorial Hospital$279Hospital · CynthianaEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- Crittenden Community Hospital$283Hospital · MarionEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $104Source: Trigg County Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
- Rockcastle Regional HospitalDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$221
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Rockcastle Regional Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Russell County HospitalDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$222
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Russell County Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville, IncDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingRead only$238Source: Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville, Inc price file · checked Oct 2026
- Carroll County Memorial HospitalDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$58.80est. $264 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Carroll County Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Harrison Memorial HospitalDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$73.63est. $279 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Harrison Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Crittenden Community HospitalDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$77.70est. $283 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- St Claire Medical Center IncDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$104est. $309 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: St Claire Medical Center Inc price file · checked Oct 2026 - Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Center, Inc.Draining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$116est. $321 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Center, Inc. price file · checked Oct 2026 - Monroe County Medical CenterDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$325
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Monroe County Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - Highlands ARH Regional Medical CenterDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$346
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - Tug Valley ARH Regional Medical CenterDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$346
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Tug Valley ARH Regional 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.