Procedures
Thoracentesis with chest tube insertion cost in Pennsylvania
Thoracentesis with chest tube insertion usually involves several bills: the facility, the doctor or surgeon, and often anesthesia. Some surgery centers and cash-pay programs quote one bundled price for everything.
Typical cash price
In Pennsylvania
From 7 hospital and 0 clinic prices in Pennsylvania.
Nationwide typical: $455 (most listed prices $197–$1,382).
Cheapest in Pennsylvania
- $390
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Warren General Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $511
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Endless Mountains Health Systems Inc. price file · checked Oct 2026 - $650
Doctor fees are billed separately. +1 more in this system at the same published price.
checked Oct 2026 - $888
Doctor fees are billed separately. +1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: UPMC Green price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,664
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health price file · checked Oct 2026
Common questions
What does a bundled price include?
A bundled (all-in) price usually covers the facility, the surgeon and anesthesia for the procedure itself. Pre-op tests, implants, pathology and follow-up visits are sometimes extra. Ask for a written Good Faith Estimate.
Do I need a referral?
You usually need a consultation with the surgeon or specialist first. Ask whether the consultation is included in the cash price.
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.