Draining fluid from the belly (paracentesis) in Georgia
CPT 49083 · hospital facility charge
Cash prices range from $1,208 to $2,425 at the 7 Georgia hospitals whose price files we have read so far.
Georgia typical cash price: $1,566
Georgia hospitals compared
| Hospital | City | List price | Cash price | Insurers (median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piedmont Augusta Hospital | Augusta | $4,025 | $1,208 | $2,404$1,236–$3,377 · 20 plans |
| Emory University Hospital | Atlanta | $1,400 | $1,400 | $3,360$2,702–$4,182 · 12 plans |
| Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center | Athens | $5,221 | $1,566 | $3,850$2,361–$4,298 · 16 plans |
| Piedmont Hospital, Inc | Atlanta | $5,221 | $1,566 | $3,655$2,589–$4,333 · 15 plans |
| Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Inc | Gainesville | $4,110 | $1,891 | $9,750$6,416–$10,045 · 5 plans |
| Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center | Marietta | $6,217 | $2,425 | $2,651$1,679–$4,881 · 8 plans |
| Savannah Health Services LLC Dba Memorial Health University Medical Center | Savannah | – | – | $2,374$1,163–$3,633 · 25 plans |
Common questions
How much does draining fluid from the belly (paracentesis) cost at a hospital in Georgia?
At 6 Georgia hospitals that publish a cash price, the typical price for draining fluid from the belly (paracentesis) is $1,566, and most charge between $1,304 and $2,158. The typical rate commercial insurers have negotiated is $3,360. These are hospital prices; independent clinics, imaging centers and labs often charge less.
Is it cheaper to pay cash or use insurance for draining fluid from the belly (paracentesis)?
At 6 of the 6 hospitals in Georgia that publish both, the cash price is lower than the typical insurer rate. Remember that with insurance you pay only your share of that rate once your deductible is met, and that cash payments usually don't count toward your deductible.
Which hospital in Georgia has the lowest cash price for draining fluid from the belly (paracentesis)?
Of the hospitals whose price files we have read, the lowest published cash price is $1,208 at Piedmont Augusta Hospital. Confirm the price with the hospital before you book.
Does the price include the doctor?
No. These are the hospital's own charges, often called the facility fee. The doctors involved, such as the surgeon, the anesthesiologist or the radiologist who reads a scan, usually send a separate bill.
Before you go
- Ask for an estimate. Hospitals must give uninsured and self-pay patients a written good-faith estimate before planned care.
- Check the network. Confirm that the hospital and the doctors are in your plan's network.
- Ask about financial help. Non-profit hospitals must have a financial assistance policy; many discount or forgive bills by income.
- Get an itemized bill. Compare it with the estimate and question anything you don't recognise.