Price Checker / CPT 33016
How much does Pericardiocentesis W/imaging cost?
CPT 33016 · Based on 2026 Medicare rates and hospital-published pricing
The average hospital charge is around 15x the fair price — among the most extreme markups. Dispute this.
Fair price
$310–$610
What this should cost
With insurance
~$106,100
Typical out-of-pocket
Overcharged if over
$760
Push back above this
The average hospital charge of $7,020 is $6,560 over the fair price (about 15x the fair rate).
What hospitals charge for Pericardiocentesis W/imaging
From hospital-published transparency (MRF) files. These are the hospitals in our database that list this procedure.
| Hospital | Gross Charge | Cash Rate | vs Medicare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinitas Regional Medical Center ELIZABETH, NJ | $15,000 | — | 7250% |
| Trinitas Regional Medical Center - New Point Campus Elizabeth, NJ | $15,000 | — | 7250% |
| UMass Memorial Health-Harrington at Webster , MA | $5,613 | $5,613 | 2650% |
| UMass Memorial Health-Harrington Hospital SOUTHBRIDGE, MA | $5,613 | $5,613 | 2650% |
| Newport Community Hospital Newport, WA | $4,232 | — | 1891% |
| Delta Memorial Hospital DUMAS, AR | $3,720 | $2,976 | 1723% |
| Memorial Hospital and Manor BAINBRIDGE, GA | $3,670 | $2,569 | 1698% |
| Deckerville Community Hospital DECKERVILLE, MI | $3,311 | — | 1490% |
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 Pericardiocentesis W/imaging
CPT code 33016 refers to pericardiocentesis w/imaging (billing description: "Pericardiocentesis w/imaging"). Under the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, it is reimbursed at $204 in a facility (hospital or surgery center) and $204 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.