CMS Price Transparency Data

Culture, blood

Facility: Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center

Billing Code: 87040 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 87040
Insurance Median: $95
Cash Discount Price: $77
vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.21x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Culture, blood at Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center is $95. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $77. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $10.32, this hospital’s rate is 9.21x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1 Medical Center Dr Po Box 139, Supply, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$77

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$95

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: $77 (746%)

Insurance Median: $95 (921%)

Cash: $77 (746% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $95 (921% 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 921% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 821%). 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
Aetna	$11 - $131	107%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$11 - $111	107%
Cigna	$11 - $85	107%
Humana	$11 - $132	107%
New Hanover Health Advantage	$11	107%
Pace Of The Southern Piedmont	$11	107%
UnitedHealthcare	$11 - $94	107%
Liberty Health	$12	116%
Amerihealth	$22	213%
Carolina Complete	$22	213%
Nc Department Of Public Safety	$22	213%
Wellcare	$22	213%
Ambetter / Centene	$25	242%
Caresource North Carolina	$62	601%
Atlantic Corporation Dba Atlantic Packaging	$83	804%
Amps	$85	824%
Plotkin Health	$92	891%
Medcost	$116 - $129	1124%
Transformhealth	$123	1192%
Multiplan	$139	1347%
Phcs	$139	1347%
Employers Choice Network	$149	1444%
Three Rivers Provider Network	$149	1444%

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 $77.
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 Novant Health Brunswick 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.