Procedures
Thoracentesis (pleural fluid drainage) without imaging guidance cost in Ohio
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 Ohio
From 127 hospital and 0 clinic prices in Ohio.
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 Ohio
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 Ohio, from 127 providers. Most listed prices: $626–$3,588.
Cheapest totals nearby
- $210
- $303
- $303
- $134
Location not independently confirmed.
Source: Mercer Health price file · checked Oct 2026 - Mount Carmel Dublin HospitalDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingRead only$185Source: Mount Carmel Dublin Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
- $202Source: Mount Carmel East price file · checked Oct 2026
- $202Source: Mount Carmel St Anns price file · checked Oct 2026
- Akron Children's Hospital - AkronDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingAll-in$210Source: Akron Children's Hospital - Akron price file · checked Oct 2026
- Nationwide Children's Hospital ToledoDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingRead only$255Source: Nationwide Children's Hospital Toledo price file · checked Oct 2026
- $97.50est. $303 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Barnesville Hospital price file · checked Sep 2026 - Harrison Community HospitalDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$97.50est. $303 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Harrison Community Hospital price file · checked Sep 2026 - Hocking Valley Community HospitalDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$115est. $320 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Hocking Valley Community Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Southwest General Health CenterDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$120est. $325 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Southwest General Health Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - Knox Community HospitalDraining fluid from around the lung (thoracentesis), without imagingScan only$137est. $342 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Knox Community Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $139est. $344 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Pomerene 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.