CMS Price Transparency Data

Culture, blood

Facility: Sanford Wheaton Medical Center

Billing Code: 87040 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 87040
Insurance Median: $129
Cash Discount Price: $119
vs. Medicare Baseline: 12.50x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Culture, blood at Sanford Wheaton Medical Center is $129. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $119. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $10.32, this hospital’s rate is 12.50x the Medicare baseline. Located in 401 12Th Street North, Wheaton, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$119

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$129

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: $119 (1153%)

Insurance Median: $129 (1250%)

Cash: $119 (1153% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $129 (1250% 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 1250% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1150%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$36 - $138	349%
Sanford Health Plan Align	$75	727%
Aetna	$81 - $129	785%
Health Partners	$81 - $121	785%
Medicare (plans)	$81	785%
Ucare	$81 - $131	785%
UnitedHealthcare	$81 - $124	785%
Security Health Plan	$82	795%
Primewest	$83 - $90	804%
Sanford Health Plan	$118 - $138	1143%
Medica	$131 - $141	1269%
First Choice Health Network	$134	1298%
Healthez	$134	1298%
Multiplan	$134	1298%

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 $119.
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 Sanford Wheaton 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.