CMS Price Transparency Data

Culture, blood

Facility: Memorial Health Care Systems

Billing Code: 87040 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 87040
Insurance Median: $169
Cash Discount Price: $291
vs. Medicare Baseline: 16.38x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Culture, blood at Memorial Health Care Systems is $169. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $291. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $10.32, this hospital’s rate is 16.38x the Medicare baseline. Located in 300 North Columbia Ave, Seward, NE.

Cash / Self-Pay

$291

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$169

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: $291 (2820%)

Insurance Median: $169 (1638%)

Cash: $291 (2820% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $169 (1638% 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 1638% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1538%). 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
Molina Mcaid-All Plans	$157	1521%
Ne Total Care Mcaid-All Plans	$157	1521%
UnitedHealthcare	$157 - $274	1521%
Beshp Mcr Adv - All Plans	$166	1609%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$166 - $276	1609%
Medica Mcare Cost	$166	1609%
Medica Mcr Adv	$166	1609%
Tricare	$166	1609%
Wellcare Mcr Adv - All Plans	$169	1638%
Phcs Ppo-All Plans	$276	2674%
Ambetter / Centene	$279	2703%
Medica Comm-All Other Plans	$279	2703%
Medica Elevate	$279	2703%
Midlands Choice-All Plans	$282	2733%
Aetna	$285	2762%

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 $291.
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 Memorial Health Care Systems 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.