CMS Price Transparency Data

Culture, blood

Facility: Reading Hospital

Billing Code: 87040 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 87040
  • Insurance Median: $74
  • Cash Discount Price: $130
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.17x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Culture, blood at Reading Hospital is $74. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $130. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $10.32, this hospital’s rate is 7.17x the Medicare baseline. Located in 420 S 5Th Avenue, West Reading, PA.
Cash / Self-Pay
$130

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$74

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: $130 (1260%)
Insurance Median: $74 (717%)
Cash: $130 (1260% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $74 (717% 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 717% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 617%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield $11 - $92 107%
UnitedHealthcare $12 - $19 116%
Amerihealth Caritas $14 136%
Upmc $15 - $100 145%
Geisinger $17 - $118 165%
Keystone First $17 165%
Gateway $18 174%
Health Partners $18 174%
Pa Health & Wellness $18 174%
Wernersville State Hospital $18 174%
Aetna $35 - $100 339%
Pma $74 717%
Lehigh Valley Health Network $84 814%
Cigna $106 1027%
First Health $110 1066%
Berkshire $140 1357%
Blue Ridge $177 1715%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 420 S 5Th Avenue, West Reading, PA 19611
  • CMS Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Ownership Type: Voluntary non-profit - Private
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals