CMS Price Transparency Data

Culture, blood

Facility: Lac/Harbor-Ucla Med Center

Billing Code: 87040 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 87040
Insurance Median: $14
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.36x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Culture, blood at Lac/Harbor-Ucla Med Center is $14. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is unavailable. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $10.32, this hospital’s rate is 1.36x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1000 W Carson St, Torrance, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$14

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%)

Insurance Median: $14 (136%)

Ins. Median: $14 (136% 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.

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
Medicare (plans)	$10 - $12	97%
[Commercial]	$10 - $17	97%
[Covered California]	$10 - $19	97%
[Medi-Cal Managed Care]	$13 - $20	126%

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 $X.
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 Lac/Harbor-Ucla Med Center 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.