CMS Price Transparency Data

Culture, bacterial

Facility: Carolinas Medical Center/Behav Health

Billing Code: 87070 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 87070
  • Insurance Median: $166
  • Cash Discount Price: $171
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 19.26x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Culture, bacterial at Carolinas Medical Center/Behav Health is $166. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $171. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $8.62, this hospital’s rate is 19.26x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1000 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC.
Cash / Self-Pay
$171

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$166

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate
$8.62

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $8.62 (100%)
Cash / Self-Pay: $171 (1984%)
Insurance Median: $166 (1926%)
Cash: $171 (1984% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $166 (1926% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $8.62 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 1926% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1826%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash 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
Aetna $9 - $249 104%
Cigna $9 - $273 104%
Humana $9 - $280 104%
UnitedHealthcare $9 - $173 104%
Alliance $11 - $89 128%
Amerihealth Caritas $11 - $74 128%
Carolina Complete Health $11 - $341 128%
Healthy Blue $11 - $76 128%
Ortho Carolina $11 128%
Partners $11 - $75 128%
Trillium $11 - $80 128%
Vaya $11 - $77 128%
Wellcare $11 - $76 128%
Molina $13 151%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $65 - $198 754%
Sandhills $75 870%
Ambetter / Centene $99 - $161 1148%
Medcost $106 - $201 1230%
Employers Health Network $151 - $181 1752%
Physician Reach Out $171 1984%
Magellan $205 2378%
Gmmi $222 2575%
Quik Trip $222 2575%
Carolina Behavioral Health $246 - $273 2854%
Choicecare $246 - $253 2854%
First Health $273 - $300 3167%
Healthgram $273 3167%
Private Health Care Systems $273 - $280 3167%
Provider Select $276 - $307 3202%
Lifesynch Community Choice Care $280 3248%
Beechstreet $297 - $300 3445%
Multiplan $307 3561%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 1000 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
  • CMS Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Ownership Type: Government - Hospital District or Authority
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals