Price Checker / CPT 32601
How much does Thoracoscopy Diagnostic cost?
CPT 32601 · Based on 2026 Medicare rates and hospital-published pricing
The average hospital charge is around 32x the fair price — among the most extreme markups. Dispute this.
Fair price
$430–$860
What this should cost
With insurance
~$3,550
Typical out-of-pocket
Overcharged if over
$1,100
Push back above this
The average hospital charge of $20,788 is $20,138 over the fair price (about 32x the fair rate).
What hospitals charge for Thoracoscopy Diagnostic
From hospital-published transparency (MRF) files. These are the hospitals in our database that list this procedure.
| Hospital | Gross Charge | Cash Rate | vs Medicare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southlake Specialty Hospital LLC Southlake, TX | — | — | 13912% |
| Clifton Springs Hospital and Clinic CLIFTON SPRINGS, NY | $15,973 | $10,382 | 5441% |
| Union County General Hospital Clayton, NM | $6,001 | — | 1774% |
Were you billed for this procedure?
Send us your bill and we'll compare every line item against Medicare rates and your hospital's published prices. Free review, no obligation.
About Thoracoscopy Diagnostic
CPT code 32601 refers to thoracoscopy diagnostic (billing description: "Thoracoscopy diagnostic"). Under the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, it is reimbursed at $288 in a facility (hospital or surgery center) and $288 in a doctor's office.
The Medicare rate is the closest thing to an objective "what this work is actually worth." A fair cash price for the uninsured is generally 1.5–3x that rate. Hospital sticker (gross) charges are often far higher — but almost nobody actually pays them.
What to do if you were overcharged
- 1Send us your bill — we'll identify this code and compare it against the rates shown above.
- 2Get a dispute letter — citing the Medicare rate and your hospital's own published pricing data.
- 3We negotiate for you — 25% of savings, no savings = no fee.