CMS Price Transparency Data

Culture, bacterial

Facility: Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center

Billing Code: 87070 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 87070
Insurance Median: $79
Cash Discount Price: $119
vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.16x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Culture, bacterial at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center is $79. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $119. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $8.62, this hospital’s rate is 9.16x the Medicare baseline. Located in 751 Medical Center Court, Chula Vista, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$119

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$79

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$8.62

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $8.62 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $119 (1381%)

Insurance Median: $79 (916%)

Cash: $119 (1381% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $79 (916% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $8.62 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 916% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 816%). 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
Allianz Global Assistance	$10	116%
Health Net	$22 - $89	255%
Aetna	$24 - $118	278%
Medi-Cal	$28	325%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$47 - $126	545%
UnitedHealthcare	$47 - $73	545%
Blue Shield	$54 - $96	626%
California Health And Wellness	$66	766%
Epic Americas	$66 - $107	766%
Molina	$66 - $100	766%
Medicare (plans)	$76 - $126	882%
Cigna	$96 - $107	1114%
Interplan	$101	1172%
Multiplan	$105	1218%
County Medical Services	$111	1288%
Managed Health Network	$111	1288%
Humana	$118	1369%

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 $119.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 87070.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 87070.
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.