Thoracentesis cost in Chicago, IL
In Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN, 47 hospitals list a cash price for thoracentesis with imaging guidance: from $366.13 to $5,905.00, with a median of $1,100.00. The lowest listed price is at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital — $733.87 less than the median here. Across Illinois, the median is $960.00 at 59 hospitals.
Cash prices at 47 facilities across 34 cities for code 32555, as an outpatient — the setting a self-pay patient normally buys. Collected Sep 23, 2026; the hospital files themselves were last updated between Mar 17, 2025 and Sep 1, 2026.
Lowest$366.13Gottlieb Memorial Hospital
Median$1,100.00half pay less
Highest$5,905.00in this market
Difference16.1×highest vs lowest
Where each hospital's price falls
Each dot is one hospital's cash price on a scale from the lowest to the highest in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN.
median
Lowest $366.13Highest $5,905.00
Hospitals, cheapest first
| Hospital | Cash price | List price | Insurers pay | Off list | File date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gottlieb Memorial Hospital lowest Melrose Park, IL · (708) 681-3200 Thoracentesis W/ Imag Guid | $366.13 | $1,927.00 | $417.53–$2,252.00 | 81% | Mar 31, 2026 source file |
| Gottlieb Memorial Hospital lowest Melrose Park, IL · (708) 681-3200 Thoracentesis Asp Pleural Space W/ Imag Guid | $366.13 | $1,927.00 | $466.33–$1,406.71 | 81% | Mar 31, 2026 source file |
| NorthShore University HealthSystems Skokie Hospital Skokie, IL Thoracentesis Needle/Cath Pleura W/Imag | $369.85 | $569.00 | $76.82–$310.67 | 35% | — source file |
| NorthShore University HealthSystems Glenbrook Hospital Glenview, IL Thoracentesis Needle/Cath Pleura W/Imag | $369.85 | $569.00 | $76.82–$310.67 | 35% | — source file |
| NorthShore University HealthSystems Highland Park Hospital Highland Park, IL Thoracentesis Needle/Cath Pleura W/Imag | $369.85 | $569.00 | $76.82–$310.67 | 35% | — source file |
| NorthShore University HealthSystems Evanston Hospital Evanson, IL · (847) 570-2000 Thoracentesis Needle/Cath Pleura W/Imag | $369.85 | $569.00 | $76.82–$310.67 | 35% | — source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth Bolingbrook Bolingbrook, IL · (630) 312-5000 HC THORACENTESIS NEEDLE/CATH PLEURA W/IMAGING | $375.00 | $1,500.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale Hinsdale, IL · (630) 856-9000 HC THORACENTESIS NEEDLE/CATH PLEURA W/IMAGING | $375.00 | $1,500.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale Hinsdale, IL · (630) 856-9000 HC THORACENTESIS NEEDLE/CATH PLEURA W/IMAGING | $375.00 | $1,500.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth La Grange La Grange, IL · (708) 352-1200 HC THORACENTESIS NEEDLE/CATH PLEURA W/IMAGING | $375.00 | $1,500.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth La Grange La Grange, IL · (708) 352-1200 HC THORACENTESIS NEEDLE/CATH PLEURA W/IMAGING | $375.00 | $1,500.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth Glenoaks Glendale Heights, IL · (630) 545-8000 HC THORACENTESIS NEEDLE/CATH PLEURA W/IMAGING | $375.00 | $1,500.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth Glenoaks Glendale Heights, IL · (630) 545-8000 HC THORACENTESIS NEEDLE/CATH PLEURA W/IMAGING | $375.00 | $1,500.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth Bolingbrook Bolingbrook, IL · (630) 312-5000 HC THORACENTESIS NEEDLE/CATH PLEURA W/IMAGING | $375.00 | $1,500.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Loyola University Medical Center Maywood, IL · (708) 216-9000 Thoracentesis W/ Imag Guid | $443.21 | $1,927.00 | $417.53–$4,183.00 | 77% | Mar 31, 2026 source file |
| Loyola University Medical Center Maywood, IL · (708) 216-9000 Thoracentesis Asp Pleural Space W/ Imag Guid | $443.21 | $1,927.00 | $417.53–$1,439.24 | 77% | Mar 31, 2026 source file |
| Humboldt Park Health Chicago, IL · (773) 292-8200 Aspiration of fluid from chest cavity using imaging guidance | $468.21 | $1,672.17 | $1,672.17 | 72% | Aug 24, 2026 source file |
| Louis A Weiss Memorial Hospital one side Chicago, IL · (773) 878-8700 US Thoracentesis Left BCE | $551.51 | $1,622.08 | $269.75–$5,099.00 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Louis A Weiss Memorial Hospital one side Chicago, IL · (773) 878-8700 US Thoracentesis Right BCE | $551.51 | $1,622.08 | $269.75–$5,099.00 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Louis A Weiss Memorial Hospital one side Chicago, IL · (773) 878-8700 US Thoracentesis Right | $551.51 | $1,622.08 | $269.75–$5,099.00 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Louis A Weiss Memorial Hospital one side Chicago, IL · (773) 878-8700 US Thoracentesis Left | $551.51 | $1,622.08 | $269.75–$5,099.00 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Louis A Weiss Memorial Hospital Chicago, IL · (773) 878-8700 ED Airway/Intubation Procedures Thoracentesis w/ Imaging BCE | $579.49 | $1,704.37 | $283.44–$1,107.84 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Louis A Weiss Memorial Hospital Chicago, IL · (773) 878-8700 WMH THORACENTESIS NEEDLE/ CATHETER | $579.49 | $1,704.37 | $283.44–$5,099.00 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Louis A Weiss Memorial Hospital Chicago, IL · (773) 878-8700 CHED Airway/Intubation Procedures Thoracentesis w/ Imaging BCE | $579.49 | $1,704.37 | $283.44–$1,107.84 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Louis A Weiss Memorial Hospital Chicago, IL · (773) 878-8700 ED Airway/Intubation Procedure -> Thoracentesis w/ imaging | $579.49 | $1,704.37 | $283.44–$1,107.84 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Louis A Weiss Memorial Hospital Chicago, IL · (773) 878-8700 WMH THORACENTESIS NEEDLE/ CATHETER BCE | $579.49 | $1,704.37 | $283.44–$5,099.00 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Louis A Weiss Memorial Hospital one side Chicago, IL · (773) 878-8700 CT Thoracentesis w/ CT Guidance Right | $593.97 | $1,746.98 | $290.52–$5,099.00 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Louis A Weiss Memorial Hospital one side Chicago, IL · (773) 878-8700 CT Thoracentesis w/ CT Guidance Left BCE | $593.97 | $1,746.98 | $290.52–$5,099.00 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Louis A Weiss Memorial Hospital one side Chicago, IL · (773) 878-8700 CT Thoracentesis w/ CT Guidance Right BCE | $593.97 | $1,746.98 | $290.52–$5,099.00 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Louis A Weiss Memorial Hospital one side Chicago, IL · (773) 878-8700 CT Thoracentesis w/ CT Guidance Left | $593.97 | $1,746.98 | $290.52–$5,099.00 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Swedish Covenant Health Chicago, IL · (773) 878-8200 THORACENTESIS NEEDLE/CATH PLEURA W/IMAG | $628.00 | $628.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Endeavor Health Clinical Operations Highland Park, IL THORACENTESIS NEEDLE/CATH PLEURA W/IMAG | $628.00 | $628.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Northshore University Healthsystem - Evanston Hospital Evanston, IL · (847) 570-2000 THORACENTESIS NEEDLE/CATH PLEURA W/IMAG | $628.00 | $628.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Resilience Healthcare West Suburban Medical Center Oak Park, IL · (708) 383-6200 WSMC THORACENTESIS NDL/CATH W IMAGING BCE | $634.91 | $1,867.37 | $277.12–$5,099.00 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Resilience Healthcare West Suburban Medical Center Oak Park, IL · (708) 383-6200 WSMC THORACENTESIS NDL/CATH W IMAGNG | $634.91 | $1,867.37 | $277.12–$5,099.00 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Resilience Healthcare West Suburban Medical Center Oak Park, IL · (708) 383-6200 ED Airway/Intubation Procedures Thoracentesis w/ Imaging BCE | $634.91 | $1,867.37 | $276.18–$1,213.79 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Resilience Healthcare West Suburban Medical Center Oak Park, IL · (708) 383-6200 ED Airway/Intubation Procedure -> Thoracentesis w/ imaging | $634.91 | $1,867.37 | $276.18–$1,213.79 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Resilience Healthcare West Suburban Medical Center Oak Park, IL · (708) 383-6200 CHED Airway/Intubation Procedures Thoracentesis w/ Imaging BCE | $634.91 | $1,867.37 | $276.18–$1,213.79 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Resilience Healthcare West Suburban Medical Center one side Oak Park, IL · (708) 383-6200 CT Thoracentesis w/ CT Guidance Right BCE | $650.78 | $1,914.05 | $284.05–$5,099.00 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Resilience Healthcare West Suburban Medical Center one side Oak Park, IL · (708) 383-6200 US Thoracentesis Left | $650.78 | $1,914.05 | $284.05–$5,099.00 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Resilience Healthcare West Suburban Medical Center one side Oak Park, IL · (708) 383-6200 US Thoracentesis Left BCE | $650.78 | $1,914.05 | $284.05–$5,099.00 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Resilience Healthcare West Suburban Medical Center one side Oak Park, IL · (708) 383-6200 US Thoracentesis Right BCE | $650.78 | $1,914.05 | $284.05–$5,099.00 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Resilience Healthcare West Suburban Medical Center one side Oak Park, IL · (708) 383-6200 US Thoracentesis Right | $650.78 | $1,914.05 | $284.05–$5,099.00 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Resilience Healthcare West Suburban Medical Center one side Oak Park, IL · (708) 383-6200 CT Thoracentesis w/ CT Guidance Left | $650.78 | $1,914.05 | $284.05–$5,099.00 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Resilience Healthcare West Suburban Medical Center one side Oak Park, IL · (708) 383-6200 CT Thoracentesis w/ CT Guidance Left BCE | $650.78 | $1,914.05 | $284.05–$5,099.00 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Resilience Healthcare West Suburban Medical Center one side Oak Park, IL · (708) 383-6200 CT Thoracentesis w/ CT Guidance Right | $650.78 | $1,914.05 | $284.05–$5,099.00 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Mercy Medical Center Aurora, IL · (630) 859-2222 THORACENT ASP PLUER SPACE W IG - 32555 - 35044200 | $668.00 | $1,458.00 | $100.39–$1,458.00 | 54% | Sep 1, 2026 source file |
| Mercy Medical Center Aurora, IL · (630) 859-2222 Aspirate pleura w/ imaging | $668.00 | $1,424.00 | $100.39–$1,458.00 | 53% | Sep 1, 2026 source file |
| Saint Francis Hospital Evanston, IL · (847) 316-4000 HC THORACENTESIS NDL/CATH PLEURA ASP W IMAG | $668.00 | $2,139.00 | $103.95–$2,139.00 | 69% | Sep 1, 2026 source file |
| Mercy Medical Center Aurora, IL · (630) 859-2222 THORACENT ASP PLUER SPACE W IG - 32555 - 35044205 | $668.00 | $1,458.00 | $100.39–$1,458.00 | 54% | Sep 1, 2026 source file |
| Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital DeKalb, IL · (815) 756-1521 HB Thoracentesis Needle/Cath Pleura W/Imaging | $700.00 | $1,000.00 | $502.00–$1,000.00 | 30% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Presence Saint Joseph Hospital - Chicago Chicago, IL · (773) 665-3000 HC THORACENTESIS, NDL/CATH ASPIRATE PLEURA W/ IMAG | $705.87 | $2,139.00 | $1,005.33 | 67% | — source file |
| Advocate Sherman Hospital Elgin, IL · (847) 742-9800 THORACENTESIS W/IMAGING | $960.00 | $1,920.00 | $712.32–$4,256.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Park Ridge, IL · (847) 723-2210 THORACENTESIS W/IMAGING | $1,090.00 | $2,180.00 | $858.92–$6,071.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Childrens Hospital Park Ridge Park Ridge, IL THORACENTESIS W/IMAGING | $1,090.00 | $2,180.00 | $858.92–$6,071.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital Barrington, IL · (847) 381-9600 THORACENTESIS W/IMAGING | $1,100.00 | $2,200.00 | $866.80–$6,071.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Community First Medical Center Chicago, IL · (773) 282-7000 Aspiration of fluid from chest cavity using imaging guidance | $1,172.50 | $2,345.00 | $640.19–$2,345.00 | 50% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Advocate Condell Medical Center Libertyville, IL · (847) 362-2900 THORACENTESIS W/IMAGING | $1,215.00 | $2,430.00 | $934.51–$4,681.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Roseland Community Hospital Association Chicago, IL · (773) 995-3000 Aspiration of fluid from chest cavity using imaging guidance | $1,250.40 | $1,576.25 | $400.00–$1,733.88 | 21% | Jul 1, 2026 source file |
| Advocate South Suburban Hospital Hazel Crest, IL THORACENTESIS W/IMAGING | $1,330.00 | $2,660.00 | $934.51–$6,071.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Trinity Hospital Chicago, IL · (773) 967-5002 THORACENTESIS W/IMAGING | $1,330.00 | $2,660.00 | $934.51–$6,071.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| The University of Chicago Medical Center Chicago, IL · (773) 702-9785 Pr Thoracentesis Needle/Cath Pleura W/Imaging-Pbb | $1,344.00 | $1,344.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| The University of Chicago Medical Center Chicago, IL · (773) 702-9785 Pr Thoracentesis Needle/Cath Pleura W/Imaging-Gold,Pbb | $1,344.00 | $1,344.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| The University of Chicago Medical Center Chicago, IL · (773) 702-9785 Pr Thoracentesis Needle/Cath Pleura W/Imaging-Gold,Oprm | $1,344.00 | $1,344.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| The University of Chicago Medical Center Chicago, IL · (773) 702-9785 Pr Thoracentesis Needle/Cath Pleura W/Imaging-Gold | $1,344.00 | $1,344.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Advocate Christ Medical Center Oak Lawn, IL · (708) 684-8000 THORACENTESIS W/IMAGING | $1,345.00 | $2,690.00 | $934.51–$6,071.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Childrens Hospital Oak Lawn Oak Lawn, IL THORACENTESIS W/IMAGING | $1,345.00 | $2,690.00 | $934.51–$6,071.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center Chicago, IL · (773) 975-1600 THORACENTESIS W/IMAGING | $1,400.00 | $2,800.00 | $934.51–$6,071.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital Downers Grove, IL · (630) 275-5900 THORACENTESIS W/IMAGING | $1,415.00 | $2,830.00 | $934.51–$6,071.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| The Methodist Hospitals Gary, IN · (219) 886-4000 Thoracent, Aspirate Pleura W Imaging Guid | $2,021.60 | $2,888.00 | $130.76–$2,570.32 | 30% | — source file |
| The Methodist Hospitals Merrillville, IN Thoracent, Aspirate Pleura W Imaging Guid | $2,021.60 | $2,888.00 | $130.76–$2,570.32 | 30% | — source file |
| Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital Lake Forest, IL · (847) 234-5600 HB Thoracentesis Needle/Cath Pleura W/Imaging | $2,023.70 | $2,891.00 | $2,891.00 | 30% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Edward Hospital Naperville, IL · (630) 527-3000 HC THORACENTESIS ASPIRATION PLEURAL SPACE W IMAGING | $2,220.00 | $2,220.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Elmhurst, IL · (331) 221-1000 HC THORACENTESIS ASPIRATION PLEURAL SPACE W IMAGING | $2,220.00 | $2,220.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Chicago, IL · (312) 227-4000 H POC ASPIRATE PLEURA W/ IMAGING | $2,866.50 | $4,095.00 | $696.15–$14,756.00 | 30% | — source file |
| Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Chicago, IL · (312) 227-4000 H 32555 THORACENTESIS W IMAGING GUIDANCE | $2,866.50 | $4,095.00 | $696.15–$14,756.00 | 30% | — source file |
| Northwest Community Hospital Arlington Heights, IL · (847) 618-1000 Hb Aspirate Pleura W/ Imaging | $2,955.00 | $2,955.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Palos Community Hospital Palos Heights, IL · (708) 923-4000 HB Thoracentesis Needle/Cath Pleura W/Imaging | $3,372.60 | $4,818.00 | $4,818.00 | 30% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Northshore University Healthsystem - Evanston Hospital Evanston, IL · (847) 570-2000 HB THORACENTESIS NEEDLE/CATH PLEURA W/IMAG | $3,431.00 | $3,431.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Endeavor Health Clinical Operations Highland Park, IL HB THORACENTESIS NEEDLE/CATH PLEURA W/IMAG | $3,431.00 | $3,431.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Swedish Covenant Health Chicago, IL · (773) 878-8200 HB THORACENTESIS NEEDLE/CATH PLEURA W/IMAG | $3,431.00 | $3,431.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital Winfield, IL · (630) 682-1600 HB Thoracentesis Needle/Cath Pleura W/Imaging | $4,189.50 | $5,985.00 | $3,004.47–$5,985.00 | 30% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital Geneva, IL · (630) 208-3000 HB Thoracentesis Needle/Cath Pleura W/Imaging | $4,189.50 | $5,985.00 | $5,985.00 | 30% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| The University of Chicago Medical Center Chicago, IL · (773) 702-9785 Hc Thoracentesis, Needle Or Catheter, Aspiration Of The Pleural Space; With Imaging Guidance | $4,278.00 | $4,278.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| The University of Chicago Medical Center Chicago, IL · (773) 702-9785 Hc Thoracentesis, Needle Or Catheter, Aspiration Of The Pleural Space; With Imaging Guidance-Gold | $4,278.00 | $4,278.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| The University of Chicago Medical Center Chicago, IL · (773) 702-9785 Hc Thoracentesis, Needle Or Catheter, Aspiration Of The Pleural Space; With Imaging Guidance-Gold,Pb | $4,278.00 | $4,278.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| The University of Chicago Medical Center Chicago, IL · (773) 702-9785 Hc Thoracentesis, Needle Or Catheter, Aspiration Of The Pleural Space; With Imaging Guidance-Pbb | $4,278.00 | $4,278.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Ingalls Memorial Hospital Harvey, IL · (708) 333-2300 Hc Thoracentesis, Needle Or Catheter, Aspiration Of The Pleural Space; With Imaging Guidance | $4,486.00 | $4,486.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine Northwest Indiana Crown Point, IN · (312) 755-4706 HC THORACENTESIS, NEEDLE OR CATHETER, ASPIRATION OF THE PLEURAL SPACE; WITH IMAGING GUIDANCE | $4,486.00 | $4,486.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital McHenry, IL · (815) 344-5000 HB Thoracentesis Needle/Cath Pleura W/Imaging | $5,905.00 | $8,435.71 | $246.40 | 30% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
Outpatient: lowest $366.13, median $1,100.00, highest $5,905.00 — a 16.1× difference within the same market.
As an inpatient, the same code is billed by 31 facilities here, median $1,090.00. Inpatient and outpatient prices are not comparable and are kept on separate pages: the inpatient charge covers admission, not the same purchase.
Cash or insurance?
At 29 of 34 hospitals that publish insurer rates for this code here, the cash price is below the highest rate a health plan has negotiated, and at 6 it is below every plan's rate. If you have insurance but have not met your deductible, you usually pay your plan's negotiated rate, which falls somewhere in the "Insurers pay" column. Paying cash can cost less, but a cash payment usually does not count toward your deductible. Ask the hospital for both numbers before you book.
What it is
Thoracentesis removes fluid from around the lungs with a needle, using ultrasound to guide it.
What the price covers
The price usually covers the procedure and guidance. Lab tests on the fluid are billed separately.