Procedures
Thoracentesis (pleural fluid drainage) without imaging guidance cost in New York
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 York
From 101 hospital and 0 clinic prices in New York.
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 York
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 York, from 101 providers. Most listed prices: $413–$2,922.
Cheapest totals nearby
- $270
- $293
- $296
- $99.40
- $133Source: Albany Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026
- $136Source: Ellis Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
- St Josephs Hospital Health CtrDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingRead only$185Source: St Josephs Hospital Health Ctr price file · checked Oct 2026
- $196Source: Glens Falls Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
- Frederick Ferris Thompson HospitalDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingRead only$213Source: Frederick Ferris Thompson Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
- Strong Memorial HospitalDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingRead only$215Source: Strong Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
- Jones Memorial HospitalDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingRead only$215Source: Jones Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
- Nassau University Medical CenterDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$262
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Nassau University Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $65.40est. $270 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Wynn Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Guthrie Corning HospitalDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$272
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Guthrie Corning Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Guthrie Cortland Medical CenterDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$272
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Guthrie Cortland 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.