CMS Price Transparency Data

Culture, bacterial

Facility: University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center

Billing Code: 87070 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 87070
Insurance Median: $78
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.05x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Culture, bacterial at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is $78. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is unavailable. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $8.62, this hospital’s rate is 9.05x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$78

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%)

Insurance Median: $78 (905%)

Ins. Median: $78 (905% 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 905% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 805%). 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
Texaschildrens	$7 - $80	81%
Medicare (plans)	$40 - $80	464%
Vacare	$40 - $80	464%
Memorialhermannhealth	$59 - $136	684%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$64 - $130	742%
Cigna	$64 - $136	742%
UnitedHealthcare	$64 - $136	742%
Aetna	$66 - $136	766%
Humana	$67 - $139	777%
Ontarioministriesofhealth	$67 - $134	777%
Beijingst.Lucia	$68 - $136	789%
Embassyofqatar	$68 - $136	789%
Emergingtherapysolutions	$68 - $145	789%
Interlink	$68 - $154	789%
Tricare	$68 - $136	789%
Emergingtherapysolutions_Cancercare	$73 - $145	847%
Interlink_Cancercare	$73 - $145	847%
Saudiarmedforces	$73 - $145	847%
Uae_Medical	$73 - $145	847%
Uaepoliceattache	$73 - $145	847%
Healthsmart	$77 - $154	893%
Multiplan	$77 - $156	893%
Phcs	$77 - $156	893%
Vantage	$77 - $154	893%

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 $X.
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 University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer 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.