CMS Price Transparency Data

Culture, bacterial

Facility: Kern Valley Healthcare District

Billing Code: 87070 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 87070
Insurance Median: $10
Cash Discount Price: $3
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.16x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Culture, bacterial at Kern Valley Healthcare District is $10. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $8.62, this hospital’s rate is 1.16x the Medicare baseline. Located in 6412 Laurel Ave, Lake Isabella, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$10

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: $3 (35%)

Insurance Median: $10 (116%)

Cash: $3 (35% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $10 (116% 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.

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
Healthnet (Aim)	$1 - $28	12%
Healthnet Mcal	$1 - $28	12%
Healthnet Med Adv	$1 - $73	12%
Humana	$1 - $73	12%
UnitedHealthcare	$1 - $63	12%
Brand New Day - All Plans	$2 - $84	23%
Aetna	$5 - $264	58%
Healthnet- All Other Plans	$5 - $275	58%
Tricare	$5 - $244	58%
Cigna	$6 - $296	70%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$7 - $348	81%
Medi-Cal	$7 - $10	81%
Blue Shield - All Plans	$25	290%

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 $3.
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 Kern Valley Healthcare District 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.