CMS Price Transparency Data

Culture, blood

Facility: Ochsner Medical Center - Baton Rouge

Billing Code: 87040 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 87040
Insurance Median: $15
Cash Discount Price: $20
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.45x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Culture, blood at Ochsner Medical Center - Baton Rouge is $15. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $20. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $10.32, this hospital’s rate is 1.45x the Medicare baseline. Located in 17000 Medical Center Dr, Baton Rouge, LA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$20

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$15

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: $20 (194%)

Insurance Median: $15 (145%)

Cash: $20 (194% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $15 (145% 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.

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
Medicaid / KanCare	$9	87%
American Health Advantage Of Louisiana (Formerly Dignity Health Plan)	$10	97%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$10 - $20	97%
Healthy Blue Dual Advantage (Hmo-D-Snp)	$10	97%
Humana	$10	97%
Medicare (plans)	$10	97%
Ochsner Health Plan	$10	97%
Tricare	$10	97%
UnitedHealthcare	$10	97%
Aetna	$11 - $26	107%
Amerihealth Caritas Louisiana (Healthy Louisiana)	$11	107%
Healthy Blue (Healthy Louisiana)	$11	107%
Louisiana Healthcare Connections (Healthy Louisiana)	$11	107%
Zelis	$25	242%
Claritev D/B/A Multiplan/Phcs/American Life Care	$34	329%
Healthcomp & Personify Health (Formerly Gilsbar)	$34	329%
Louisiana Workers' Compensation Corporation (Lwcc)	$43	417%
Mississippi Physicians Care Network	$43	417%
First Health Network	$46	446%
Cigna	$48	465%
Prime Health Services Ppo	$48	465%
Usa Managed Care Network	$48	465%

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 $20.
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 Ochsner Medical Center - Baton Rouge 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.