Procedures
Upper neck spinal fluid puncture (cisternal or C1-C2), no injection cost in California
Upper neck spinal fluid puncture (cisternal or C1-C2), no injection 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 California
From 75 hospital and 0 clinic prices in California.
Nationwide typical: $865 (most listed prices $171–$3,875).
Cheapest in California
- Mercy General HospitalUpper neck spinal fluid puncture (cisternal or C1-C2), no injectionFacility fee only$156
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Mercy General Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - UCSF Medical Center & UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San FranciscoUpper neck spinal fluid puncture (cisternal or C1-C2), no injectionDoctor fee only$184
+1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: UCSF Medical Center & UCSF Benioff Children's Hosp price fil · checked Oct 2026 - Mercy San Juan Medical CenterUpper neck spinal fluid puncture (cisternal or C1-C2), no injectionFacility fee only$196
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Mercy San Juan Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - Woodland Memorial HospitalUpper neck spinal fluid puncture (cisternal or C1-C2), no injectionFacility fee only$196
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Woodland Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Methodist Hospital of SacramentoUpper neck spinal fluid puncture (cisternal or C1-C2), no injectionFacility fee only$206
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Methodist Hospital of Sacramento price file · checked Oct 2026 - Contra Costa Regional Medical CenterUpper neck spinal fluid puncture (cisternal or C1-C2), no injectionFacility fee only$222
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Contra Costa Regional Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - NorthBay Health Medical CenterUpper neck spinal fluid puncture (cisternal or C1-C2), no injectionFacility fee only$225
Doctor fees are billed separately. +1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: NorthBay Health Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - Mercy Hospital of FolsomUpper neck spinal fluid puncture (cisternal or C1-C2), no injectionFacility fee only$278
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Mercy Hospital of Folsom price file · checked Oct 2026 - San Antonio Regional HospitalUpper neck spinal fluid puncture (cisternal or C1-C2), no injectionFacility fee only$281
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: San Antonio Regional Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Torrance Memorial Medical CenterUpper neck spinal fluid puncture (cisternal or C1-C2), no injectionFacility fee only$350
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Torrance Memorial Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - Valley Presbyterian HospitalUpper neck spinal fluid puncture (cisternal or C1-C2), no injectionFacility fee only$395
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Valley Presbyterian Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Providence Saint Joseph Medical CenterUpper neck spinal fluid puncture (cisternal or C1-C2), no injectionFacility fee only$454
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026
See all prices for Upper neck spinal fluid puncture (cisternal or C1-C2), no injection
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.