Procedures
Thoracentesis (pleural fluid drainage) without imaging guidance cost in New Jersey
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 New Jersey
From 76 hospital and 0 clinic prices in New Jersey.
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 New Jersey
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 New Jersey, from 76 providers. Most listed prices: $657–$5,201.
Cheapest totals nearby
- $446
- Saint Peters University Hospital$494Hospital · New BrunswickEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $502
- $241est. $446 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Englewood Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Saint Peters University HospitalDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$289est. $494 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Saint Peters University Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $297est. $502 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: ARMC Atlantic City price file · checked Oct 2026 - Virtua Marlton HospitalDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$304est. $509 total
The radiologist read is billed separately. +3 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Virtua Marlton Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes HospitalDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$304est. $509 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Southern Ocean Medical CenterDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$676
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- Bayshore Medical CenterDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$684
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- Jersey Shore University Medical CenterDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$684
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- Riverview Medical CenterDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$684
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- JFK University Medical CenterDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$685
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- Old Bridge Medical CenterDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$685
The radiologist read is billed separately. +1 more in this system at the same published price.
- St. Joseph's University Medical CenterDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$704
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: St. Joseph's University 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.