Price Checker / CPT 61020
How much does Remove Brain Cavity Fluid cost?
CPT 61020 · Based on 2026 Medicare rates and hospital-published pricing
The average hospital charge is around 17x the fair price — among the most extreme markups. Dispute this.
Fair price
$150–$300
What this should cost
With insurance
~$2,300
Typical out-of-pocket
Overcharged if over
$380
Push back above this
The average hospital charge of $3,932 is $3,702 over the fair price (about 17x the fair rate).
What hospitals charge for Remove Brain Cavity Fluid
From hospital-published transparency (MRF) files. These are the hospitals in our database that list this procedure.
| Hospital | Gross Charge | Cash Rate | vs Medicare |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPMC Magee , PA | $3,932 | $3,146 | 3891% |
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 Remove Brain Cavity Fluid
CPT code 61020 refers to remove brain cavity fluid (billing description: "Remove brain cavity fluid"). Under the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, it is reimbursed at $99 in a facility (hospital or surgery center) and $99 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.