Procedures
Tube thoracostomy (chest tube) insertion cost in California
Tube thoracostomy (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 California
From 258 hospital and 0 clinic prices in California.
Nationwide typical: $1,439 (most listed prices $548–$3,949).
Usually included: the facility fee + the doctor's or surgeon's fee.
Good to know: Usually done in the ER or on inpatients, in which case it also sits inside an ER visit bundle or inpatient DRG. Imaging-guided catheter placement is 32557.
Cheapest in California
Total price
Tube thoracostomy (chest tube) insertion
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 California, from 258 providers. Most listed prices: $724–$4,190.
Cheapest totals nearby
- San Joaquin Community Hospital$363Hospital · BakersfieldEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- Glendale Adventist Medical Center$369Hospital · GlendaleEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $369
- $30Source: University of Michigan Health-Sparrow St. Lawrence price fil · checked Oct 2026
- $136
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Mountains Community Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $138
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Adventist Health Medical Center Tehachapi price file · checked Oct 2026 - $140
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Kern Valley Healthcare District price file · checked Oct 2026 - $153
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Willits Hospital Inc price file · checked Oct 2026 - $277
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Catalina Island Health price file · checked Oct 2026 - $292
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Kaweah Delta Health Care District price file · checked Oct 2026 - $292
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Kaweah Health Mental Health Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $295
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Contra Costa Regional Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $305Source: Mark Twain Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026
- $313
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Colorado River Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $337
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Adventist Health Mendocino Coast 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.