Spinal Tap Cost

Typical costs:

• A patient is likely to see multiple items on a billing statement relating to a spinal tap procedure. Normally, the costs associated with the procedure can include a fee for performing the test, a doctor's fee, a specialist's fee, an analysis fee and a facility fee. According to Health Care Blue Book^[1] , an online cost estimator, the average cost of the procedure alone is $353. Typically, the total cost for a spinal tap is $3,000-$5,000. Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center^[2] , in Lincoln, NE, charges about $3,041 total for a lumbar puncture procedure. Baptist Memorial Health Care, with multiple hospital locations in Mississippi, Tennessee and Arkansas, typically charges $3,485 for the total procedure, including spinal tap and diagnostic services.
• A spinal tap might be covered by a patient's health insurance. Typically, patients with health insurance can expect to pay 20%-50% of the cost of the procedure if it is not completely covered by insurance.

• Typically, a patient receiving a spinal tap procedure begins by lying on the left or right side in a fetal position. The lower back area of the patient is cleaned and a local anesthetic is used on the intended path of the spinal needle. After the spinal needle is inserted, the technician can collect spinal fluid and measure spinal pressure. WebMD^[3] describes the procedure and provides information patients should know before having a spinal tap performed.

• Use of general anesthesia may incur additional charges. Health Care Blue Book^[4] states a typical cost of anesthesia is $51.
• Some doctor's add the cost of an office visit to the total charges. An office visit typically costs $25-$100.

• Health insurance may cover some or all of the cost of the spinal tap. Generally, insurance will cover 80%-100% of most common procedure. Contact an insurance provider for coverage specifics.
• Some physicians and hospitals offer discounts of up to 35% to patients who do not have health insurance. Washington Hospital Healthcare System^[5] , located in California, offers a 35% discount for uninsured patients. The hospital also has a financial assistance program for qualifying uninsured patients.

• The doctor-reviewed informational site, Spine Health^[6] , offers a spine center and back doctor directory.
• The Mayo Clinic provides information for patients preparing^[7] to have a spinal tap procedure and what risks might be involved^[8] .
• Insurance providers typically have online tools for finding specialists covered by the provider that perform surgical procedures such as spinal taps.

1.  healthcarebluebook.com/page_Results.aspx?id=375&dataset=MD&g=Lumbar+Puncture
2.  tp.chi.acelogicus.net/nese/Default.aspx
3.  www.webmd.com/brain/lumbar-puncture
4.  healthcarebluebook.com/page_Results.aspx?id=147&dataset=dental
5.  www.whhs.com/about/washington-hospital-discount-policy-for-uninsured/
6.  www.spine-health.com/doctor/spine-center
7.  www.mayoclinic.com/health/lumbar-puncture/MY00982/DSECTION=how-you-prepare
8.  www.mayoclinic.com/health/lumbar-puncture/MY00982/DSECTION=risks

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