CMS Price Transparency Data

Culture, bacterial

Facility: Washington County Hospital and Clinics

Billing Code: 87070 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 87070
Insurance Median: $43
Cash Discount Price: $76
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.99x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Culture, bacterial at Washington County Hospital and Clinics is $43. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $76. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $8.62, this hospital’s rate is 4.99x the Medicare baseline. Located in 400 East Polk Street, Washington, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$76

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$43

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: $76 (882%)

Insurance Median: $43 (499%)

Cash: $76 (882% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $43 (499% 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 499% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 399%). 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
Ambetter / Centene	$12	139%
Aetna	$20 - $99	232%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$34 - $45	394%
Health Alliance Mcr Adv	$36 - $45	418%
Med Assoc Mcr Adv	$36 - $45	418%
Healthpartners Mcr Adv	$37 - $46	429%
Humana	$37 - $46	429%
Ia Total Care Wellcare Mcr Adv	$37 - $46	429%
Molina Mcr Adv - All Other Plans	$37 - $46	429%
Wellpoint Mcr Adv Amerigrp - All Other Plans	$37 - $46	429%
Ia Total Care Mcaid	$38 - $47	441%
Medicaid / KanCare	$38 - $47	441%
Wellpoint Mcaid Amerigrp	$38 - $47	441%
Healthpartners - All Other Plans	$76 - $95	882%
Health Alliance Comm - All Other Plans	$86 - $106	998%

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 $76.
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 Washington County Hospital and Clinics 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.