Thoracentesis cost in Columbus, NC — inpatient
In Columbus, NC, 1 hospital lists a cash price for thoracentesis with imaging guidance as an inpatient: from $2,035.11 to $2,035.11, with a median of $2,035.11. Across North Carolina, the median is $1,571.00 at 37 hospitals.
Cash prices at 1 facility for code 32555, as an inpatient (admitted to hospital) . Collected Sep 23, 2026; the hospital files themselves were last updated between Apr 1, 2026 and Apr 1, 2026.
Hospitals, cheapest first
| Hospital | Cash price | List price | Insurers pay | Off list | File date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AdventHealth Polk Columbus, NC · (828) 894-3311 HC THORACENTESIS NEEDLE/CATH PLEURA W/IMAGING | $2,035.11 | $2,035.11 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
Inpatient: lowest $2,035.11, median $2,035.11, highest $2,035.11.
As an outpatient, the same code is billed by 1 facility here, median $2,035.11 — that is the price to compare if you are not being admitted.
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.