CMS Price Transparency Data

Culture, blood

Facility: Iowa Specialty Hospital - Belmond

Billing Code: 87040 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 87040
Insurance Median: $137
Cash Discount Price: $127
vs. Medicare Baseline: 13.28x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Culture, blood at Iowa Specialty Hospital - Belmond is $137. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $127. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $10.32, this hospital’s rate is 13.28x the Medicare baseline. Located in 403 First Street Se, Belmond, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$127

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$137

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: $127 (1231%)

Insurance Median: $137 (1328%)

Cash: $127 (1231% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $137 (1328% 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 1328% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1228%). 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
Wellmark Hmo	$36	349%
Wellmark Ppo-All Other Plans	$39	378%
Aetna	$68 - $200	659%
Tricare	$68	659%
Triwest Va Choice And Pc3-All Plans	$68	659%
UnitedHealthcare	$68 - $185	659%
Healthscope Stellar - All Plans	$111	1076%
Auxiant Clarion Schools-All Plans	$137	1328%
Health Partners Prestage	$158	1531%
Health Partners Ish-All Other Plans	$169	1638%
Cigna	$205	1986%
Midlands Choice-All Plans	$205	1986%

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 $127.
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 Iowa Specialty Hospital - Belmond 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.