CMS Price Transparency Data

Culture, blood

Facility: Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System

Billing Code: 87040 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 87040
Insurance Median: $104
Cash Discount Price: $112
vs. Medicare Baseline: 10.08x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Culture, blood at Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System is $104. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $112. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $10.32, this hospital’s rate is 10.08x the Medicare baseline. Located in 995 9Th Avenue Southwest, Bessemer, AL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$112

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$104

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: $112 (1085%)

Insurance Median: $104 (1008%)

Cash: $112 (1085% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $104 (1008% 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 1008% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 908%). 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
Aetna	$10 - $104	97%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$10	97%
Cooper Green	$10	97%
Jefferson County Sheriff	$10	97%
Triwest	$10	97%
United Mine Workers	$10	97%
UnitedHealthcare	$10 - $11	97%
Cigna	$11 - $108	107%
Humana	$11 - $127	107%
Viva	$12 - $74	116%
Ambetter / Centene	$14	136%
Phcs	$89 - $104	862%
Beech Street	$92 - $104	891%
One Health Plan	$97	940%
Geha	$104	1008%
Healthchoice	$104	1008%
Alamed	$117	1134%
Construction Claims Management	$121	1172%
Multiplan	$122	1182%
Corvel	$123 - $134	1192%
Novanet	$124	1202%
Department Of Labor	$130	1260%
Heritage Summit Health	$130	1260%
Pnoa	$134	1298%
Three Rivers	$134	1298%

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 $112.
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 Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System 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.