CMS Price Transparency Data

Culture, blood

Facility: Mercy Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 87040 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 87040
Insurance Median: $242
Cash Discount Price: $129
vs. Medicare Baseline: 23.45x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Culture, blood at Mercy Regional Medical Center is $242. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $129. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $10.32, this hospital’s rate is 23.45x the Medicare baseline. Located in 800 E Main, Ville Platte, LA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$129

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$242

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: $129 (1250%)

Insurance Median: $242 (2345%)

Cash: $129 (1250% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $242 (2345% 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 2345% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 2245%). 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
Aetna	$10 - $52	97%
Mcd Hmo Amerigroup	$10 - $52	97%
Mcd Hmo La Care	$10 - $52	97%
Mcd Hmo La Hlth Cr Connct	$10 - $52	97%
Medicaid / KanCare	$10 - $430	97%
Medicare (plans)	$10 - $430	97%
Pp0/Manged Care	$10 - $430	97%
Tricare	$10 - $430	97%
UnitedHealthcare	$10 - $53	97%
Mcd Hmo Com Hlth Solution	$11 - $57	107%
Ppo/Manged Care	$13 - $430	126%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$20	194%
Charity/Map	$129 - $430	1250%
American Postal Workers	$344	3333%
Work Comp	$387	3750%
Commerical	$430	4167%
Commerical Ip	$430	4167%
Mcr American Hlth Adv	$430	4167%
Mra Auto/Liability	$430	4167%

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 $129.
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 Mercy Regional Medical 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.