CMS Price Transparency Data

Culture, blood

Facility: Fairview Bethesda Hospital

Billing Code: 87040 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 87040
Insurance Median: $108
Cash Discount Price: $76
vs. Medicare Baseline: 10.47x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Culture, blood at Fairview Bethesda Hospital is $108. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $76. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $10.32, this hospital’s rate is 10.47x the Medicare baseline. Located in 45 10Th St W, Saint Paul, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$76

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$108

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: $76 (736%)

Insurance Median: $108 (1047%)

Cash: $76 (736% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $108 (1047% 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 1047% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 947%). 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
Health Partners	$8 - $147	78%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$9 - $111	87%
Itasca Medical Care	$10	97%
Medica	$10 - $136	97%
Primewest	$10	97%
Sanford Health Plan	$10 - $111	97%
Security Health Plan	$10 - $141	97%
South Country Health Alliance	$10	97%
Ucare	$10 - $79	97%
UnitedHealthcare	$10 - $108	97%
Wellcare	$10	97%
Hennepin Health	$11 - $12	107%
America'S Ppo	$17 - $136	165%
First Health	$26 - $154	252%
Multiplan	$27 - $160	262%
Private Healthcare Systems	$27 - $160	262%
Wisconsin Physician Services	$29 - $169	281%

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 $76.
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 Fairview Bethesda Hospital 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.