CMS Price Transparency Data

Culture, blood

Facility: USA Health University Hospital

Billing Code: 87040 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 87040
Insurance Median: $71
Cash Discount Price: $271
vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.88x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Culture, blood at USA Health University Hospital is $71. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $271. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $10.32, this hospital’s rate is 6.88x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2451 Fillingim Street, Mobile, AL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$271

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$71

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$10.32

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $10.32 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $271 (2626%)

Insurance Median: $71 (688%)

Cash: $271 (2626% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $71 (688% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $10.32 as the cost baseline. Rates below the baseline represent excellent value. In-network commercial rates commonly hover around 150% - 250% of Medicare, while rates exceeding 300% are elevated. Hover over the green and blue markers to view detailed calculations.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 688% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 588%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.

Billing Status

Remaining Deductible ($)

Your Coinsurance Rate (%)

Input your details and click calculate to compare out-of-pocket costs.

Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates

Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.

Carrier / Plan Group	Contract Rate Range	vs. Medicare Reference
UnitedHealthcare	$6 - $216	58%
Magnolia Health	$9	87%
Truecare	$9	87%
Aetna	$10	97%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$10	97%
Cigna	$10 - $190	97%
Devoted Health	$10 - $280	97%
Humana	$10 - $260	97%
Molina Chip	$10	97%
Viva Health	$10 - $200	97%
Wellcare	$10	97%
Molina Marketplace	$11	107%
Ambetter / Centene	$12	116%
Mississippi Physicians Care Network (Mpcn)	$14	136%
Central Healthcare Services	$71 - $200	688%
Multiplan	$92 - $360	891%
Naphcare	$99 - $280	959%
Novanet	$128 - $360	1240%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Request a "Self-Pay classification" with the billing desk before receiving care.
Ask for a written "Prompt-Pay Discount" agreement quoting the price of $271.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 87040.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm USA Health University Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 87040.
Confirm the specific physician or imaging center is also in-network (not just the hospital building).
Audit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) against the final itemized hospital invoice.