CMS Price Transparency Data

Culture, bacterial

Facility: Peterson Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 87070 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 87070
Insurance Median: $252
Cash Discount Price: $221
vs. Medicare Baseline: 29.23x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Culture, bacterial at Peterson Regional Medical Center is $252. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $221. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $8.62, this hospital’s rate is 29.23x the Medicare baseline. Located in 551 Hill Country Drive, Kerrville, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$221

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$252

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: $221 (2564%)

Insurance Median: $252 (2923%)

Cash: $221 (2564% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $252 (2923% 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 2923% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 2823%). 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
Aetna	$9 - $252	104%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$9 - $290	104%
Devoted Health	$9 - $205	104%
Humana	$9 - $299	104%
Ambetter / Centene	$10	116%
Superior Healthplan	$158 - $331	1833%
UnitedHealthcare	$299	3469%

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 $221.
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 Peterson Regional Medical Center 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.