CMS Price Transparency Data

Culture, blood

Facility: Christ Hospital

Billing Code: 87040 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 87040
Insurance Median: $13
Cash Discount Price: $91
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.26x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Culture, blood at Christ Hospital is $13. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $91. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $10.32, this hospital’s rate is 1.26x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2139 Auburn Avenue, Cincinnati, OH.

Cash / Self-Pay

$91

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$13

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: $91 (882%)

Insurance Median: $13 (126%)

Cash: $91 (882% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $13 (126% 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.

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 Cross Blue Shield	$9 - $91	87%
Aetna	$10 - $91	97%
Buckeye Mycare Dual [2171]	$10	97%
Caresource [2031]	$10 - $151	97%
Cigna	$10 - $151	97%
Geha [2168]	$10	97%
Golden Rule [2161]	$10	97%
Humana	$10 - $151	97%
Kentucky Passport/Molina [2097]	$10	97%
Medben [2222]	$10	97%
Medicaid / KanCare	$10 - $91	97%
Medicare (plans)	$10 - $11	97%
Medigold Ppo [2204]	$10	97%
Meridian [2185]	$10	97%
United Medical Resources [2104]	$10	97%
UnitedHealthcare	$10 - $151	97%
Wellcare Of Kentucky [2191]	$10	97%
Perennial [4200]	$11	107%
Ambetter / Centene	$13	126%
Other Exchange Plan [9992]	$13 - $151	126%
Allied Benefits [2163]	$17	165%
First Health [2041]	$17	165%
Medical Mutual [2054]	$17	165%
Meritain Health [2224]	$17	165%
Western And Southern [2076]	$17	165%
Custom Design Benefits - True Cost [3004]	$21	203%
Poppins Health [2299]	$26	252%
Ohio Health Choice [2062]	$72	698%
Nalc [2178]	$80	775%
Priority Health [2225]	$80	775%
Life Synch [2080]	$91	882%
Multiplan/Phcs [2059]	$110	1066%
Amerihealth Caritas [2230]	$151	1463%
Bccp [3079]	$151	1463%
Buckeye Community Health [2028]	$151	1463%
Healthcare Highways [2298]	$151	1463%
Sagamore Health Network [2066]	$151	1463%
Suburban Health [2408]	$151	1463%

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 $91.
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 Christ 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.