Draining fluid from the belly (paracentesis) in Pennsylvania
CPT 49083 · hospital facility charge
Cash prices range from $994 to $8,546 at the 10 Pennsylvania hospitals whose price files we have read so far.
Pennsylvania typical cash price: $1,737
Pennsylvania hospitals compared
| Hospital | City | List price | Cash price | Insurers (median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Lukes Hospital | Bethlehem | $1,197 | $994 | $412$328–$3,114 · 11 plans |
| Jefferson Abington Hospital | Abington | $2,601 | $1,024 | $2,845$659–$3,710 · 12 plans |
| Jefferson Health- Northeast | Philadelphia | $2,601 | $1,072 | $3,148$736–$4,027 · 11 plans |
| Thomas Jefferson University Hospital | Philadelphia | $2,601 | $1,072 | $5,051$1,072–$7,879 · 9 plans |
| Bryn Mawr Hospital | Bryn Mawr | $4,342 | $1,737 | $3,073$2,314–$4,810 · 7 plans |
| Main Line Hospital Lankenau | Wynnewood | $4,342 | $1,737 | $3,153$2,361–$4,810 · 7 plans |
| Paoli Hospital | Paoli | $4,342 | $1,737 | $2,989$2,260–$4,810 · 7 plans |
| Milton S Hershey Medical Center | Hershey | $6,094 | $2,019 | $4,394$3,924–$4,875 · 13 plans |
| Doylestown Hospital | Doylestown | $6,162 | $6,162 | $2,115$921–$5,146 · 15 plans |
| Upmc Presbyterian Shadyside | Pittsburgh | $14,244 | $8,546 | $9,615$995–$12,107 · 18 plans |
Common questions
How much does draining fluid from the belly (paracentesis) cost at a hospital in Pennsylvania?
At 10 Pennsylvania hospitals that publish a cash price, the typical price for draining fluid from the belly (paracentesis) is $1,737, and most charge between $1,021 and $6,400. The typical rate commercial insurers have negotiated is $3,111. 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 8 of the 10 hospitals in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 $994 at St Lukes 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.