CMS Price Transparency Data

Culture, blood

Facility: Medstar Georgetown University Hospital

Billing Code: 87040 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 87040
Insurance Median: $37
Cash Discount Price: $86
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.59x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Culture, blood at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital is $37. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $86. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $10.32, this hospital’s rate is 3.59x the Medicare baseline. Located in 3800 Reservoir Rd, Washington, DC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$86

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$37

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: $86 (833%)

Insurance Median: $37 (359%)

Cash: $86 (833% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $37 (359% 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 359% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 259%). 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
Carefirst Advantage Inc	$10	97%
Tricare	$10	97%
UnitedHealthcare	$10 - $46	97%
Aetna	$11 - $91	107%
Health Care Service Corporation	$11	107%
Humana	$11	107%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$13	126%
Amerigroup	$18	174%
Amerihealth Caritas District Of Columbia	$18	174%
Hscsn	$18	174%
Medstar Family Choice Inc	$18 - $77	174%
Cigna	$86	833%
Pfc	$86	833%
Private Healthcare Systems (Phcs)	$106	1027%
First Health	$113	1095%
Carefirst Blue Choice Inc	$115	1114%
Beech Street	$119	1153%

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 $86.
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 Medstar Georgetown 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.