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Spinal tap cost without insurance: real cash prices

A spinal tap to collect fluid from around the spinal cord. Published cash prices for this procedure run from $0 to $34,771 across 1249 U.S. facilities. Where you go changes the price more than anything else.

Lowest published cash prices in the country

BERGEN NEW BRIDGE MEDICAL CENTER
· as of Jul 1, 2026 · source file
$0
KANSAS HEART HOSPITAL LLC
· as of Jul 1, 2026 · source file
$47
Lakewood Health System
49725 COUNTY 83, Staples, MN 56479 · as of Jul 1, 2026 · source file
$56
Jeff Davis Hospital
· as of Jul 1, 2026 · source file
$66
Cox Medical Center Branson
· as of Jul 1, 2026 · source file
$68

How your money goes farthest

Move 1. Call and say “self-pay.” Ask for the all-in self-pay price and whether the doctor’s fee and anesthesia are included. Independent centers usually run far below hospitals for the same code.
Move 2. Do the travel math. For planned procedures, the spread between facilities is often thousands of dollars — more than a flight and a hotel.
Move 3. Use your financial-assistance rights. Nonprofit hospitals must offer financial assistance by federal law; you can apply up to 240 days after the first bill.

By metro area

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Prices are each facility's published cash (self-pay) price from its federally required price file, shown with the file date. Prices change; always call to confirm before you go. This is public information, not medical or financial advice. Free, no login, no ads.