CMS Price Transparency Data

Culture, bacterial

Facility: Fostoria Community Hospital

Billing Code: 87070 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 87070
Insurance Median: $61
Cash Discount Price: $77
vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.08x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Culture, bacterial at Fostoria Community Hospital is $61. 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 $8.62, this hospital’s rate is 7.08x the Medicare baseline. Located in 501 Van Buren Street, Fostoria, OH.

Cash / Self-Pay

$77

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$61

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: $77 (893%)

Insurance Median: $61 (708%)

Cash: $77 (893% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $61 (708% 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 708% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 608%). 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
Meridian Health Plan Of Mi	$5	58%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$8 - $76	93%
Health Alliance Plan	$8 - $88	93%
Health Value Management	$8 - $25	93%
Paramount Health Care	$8 - $63	93%
Buckeye Community Health Plan	$9 - $26	104%
Aetna	$10 - $79	116%
Buckeye Community Health Plan Inc	$10 - $43	116%
Dayton Area Health Plan Dba Caresource	$12 - $49	139%
UnitedHealthcare	$12 - $71	139%
Amerihealth	$26	302%
Veterans Affairs	$26	302%
Medical Mutual Of Ohio	$67 - $71	777%
Frontpath Health Coalition	$68	789%
Ohio Health Choice	$77	893%
Ohio Ppo Connect	$77 - $88	893%
Health Ohio Network	$93	1079%
Connecticut General Life Insurance Company	$94	1090%

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: 87070.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Fostoria Community Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 87070.
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.