CMS Price Transparency Data

Culture, blood

Facility: Holyoke Medical Center

Billing Code: 87040 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 87040
Insurance Median: $11
Cash Discount Price: $34
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.07x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Culture, blood at Holyoke Medical Center is $11. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $34. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $10.32, this hospital’s rate is 1.07x the Medicare baseline. Located in 575 Beech Street, Holyoke, MA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$34

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$11

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: $34 (329%)

Insurance Median: $11 (107%)

Cash: $34 (329% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $11 (107% 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
Bmchp	$9	87%
Fallon	$9 - $11	87%
Health New England	$9 - $14	87%
Aetna	$10	97%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$10 - $25	97%
Tufts Health Plan	$10 - $20	97%
UnitedHealthcare	$10 - $17	97%
Commonwealth Care Alliance	$11	107%
Wellcare	$11	107%
Wellsense Direct Metals Silver	$11	107%
Wellsense Sco	$11	107%
Senior Whole Health	$12	116%
Tufts Health Public Plans	$12 - $17	116%
Cigna	$15	145%
Harvard Pilgrim	$17	165%
Gic Unicare	$21	203%

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 $34.
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 Holyoke 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.