CMS Price Transparency Data

Culture, blood

Facility: UPMC St Margaret

Billing Code: 87040 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 87040
Insurance Median: $93
Cash Discount Price: $200
vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.01x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Culture, blood at UPMC St Margaret is $93. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $200. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $10.32, this hospital’s rate is 9.01x the Medicare baseline. Located in 815 Freeport Road, Pittsburgh, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$200

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$93

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: $200 (1938%)

Insurance Median: $93 (901%)

Cash: $200 (1938% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $93 (901% 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 901% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 801%). 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
Upmc Health Plan	$9 - $18	87%
Upmc Work Partners	$10	97%
Aetna	$11 - $134	107%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$11 - $21	107%
Pa Health & Wellness	$11 - $24	107%
UnitedHealthcare	$15	145%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$20 - $94	194%
Amerihealth Caritas	$22	213%
Cigna	$94 - $134	911%
Coventry/First Health	$234	2267%
Private Health Care Systems	$267	2587%
Selectcare	$267	2587%
Humana	$284	2752%

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 $200.
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 UPMC St Margaret 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.