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 |  | With Health Insurance: $600-$2,500 |  | Without Health Insurance: $3,000-$5,000 |
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A lumbar puncture, or a spinal tap, is performed typically when a doctor wants to examine or collect a patient's spinal fluid. Most frequently, a spinal tap is used to determine whether a patient has meningitis, a life-threatening but treatable condition. Sometimes spinal taps are used to relieve migraines or intense headache pressure. In rare cases, a spinal tap is performed to relieve intracranial pressure. Patients of any age can receive a spinal tap procedure. The procedure generally takes less than 45 minutes to perform.
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.
Related articles: Anesthesia, Health Insurance
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What should be included: |
- 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.
Additional costs: |
- 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.
Discounts: |
- 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.
Shopping for a spinal tap: |
- 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.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: M A C in San Francisco, CA. | Posted: May 7th, 2018 09:05AM |
California Pacific Medical Center
Amount Billed: $13,100.00
Simple procedure. No complications. |
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| Posted by: junior millington in greatneck, NY. | Posted: October 31st, 2013 05:10PM |
06-01-11Reactiontophlebotomy diease spread musculoskeletal arthritis nerve damage10-24-12artery brachial right arm concern05-22-13noresponse to meningitis vaccine. Second request being made to conduct exam necessary to correct deficiency |
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External Resources: |
- healthcarebluebook.com/page_Results.aspx?id=375&dataset=MD&g=Lumbar+Puncture
- tp.chi.acelogicus.net/nese/Default.aspx
- www.webmd.com/brain/lumbar-puncture
- healthcarebluebook.com/page_Results.aspx?id=147&dataset=dental
- www.whhs.com/about/washington-hospital-discount-policy-for-uninsured/
- www.spine-health.com/doctor/spine-center
- www.mayoclinic.com/health/lumbar-puncture/MY00982/DSECTION=how-you-prepare
- www.mayoclinic.com/health/lumbar-puncture/MY00982/DSECTION=risks
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