CMS Price Transparency Data

Culture, blood

Facility: Astera Health

Billing Code: 87040 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 87040
Insurance Median: $159
Cash Discount Price: $148
vs. Medicare Baseline: 15.41x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Culture, blood at Astera Health is $159. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $148. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $10.32, this hospital’s rate is 15.41x the Medicare baseline. Located in 421 11Th Street Nw, Wadena, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$148

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$159

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: $148 (1434%)

Insurance Median: $159 (1541%)

Cash: $148 (1434% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $159 (1541% 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 1541% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1441%). 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 Plus Pmap [40002]	$41 - $5,128	397%
Ucare Pmap [30006]	$76 - $1,691	736%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$84 - $5,128	814%
Health Partners [10045]	$84 - $5,128	814%
Medica Nonpmap [10056]	$84 - $16,281	814%
Medica Pmap [10057]	$84 - $3,448	814%
Primewest Non Pmap [30004]	$84 - $5,128	814%
Primewest Pmap [30003]	$84 - $3,448	814%
Ucare Non Pmap [30007]	$88 - $5,385	853%
Health Partners Pmap [10046]	$105	1017%
Ucare Commercial [10705]	$145 - $155	1405%
UnitedHealthcare	$155 - $162	1502%
Multiplan	$167	1618%
Sanford Health Plan [10120]	$178	1725%
Aetna	$188	1822%

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 $148.
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 Astera Health 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.