CMS Price Transparency Data

Culture, bacterial

Facility: University of Utah Hospital and Clinics

Billing Code: 87070 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 87070
Insurance Median: $16
Cash Discount Price: $62
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.86x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Culture, bacterial at University of Utah Hospital and Clinics is $16. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $62. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $8.62, this hospital’s rate is 1.86x the Medicare baseline. Located in 50 North Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT.

Cash / Self-Pay

$62

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$16

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: $62 (719%)

Insurance Median: $16 (186%)

Cash: $62 (719% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $16 (186% 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.

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
Allegiance Benefit [112]	$7	81%
American Postal Workers [125]	$7	81%
Cigna	$7	81%
Great West [220]	$7	81%
Healthpartners [629]	$7	81%
Samba [398]	$7	81%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$14 - $21	162%
Bridgespan [597]	$14	162%
Pehp [305]	$15	174%
Healthcare Management Administrators [585]	$21	244%
Aetna	$40	464%
Mailhandlers [269]	$40	464%
Meritain Health Plans [329]	$40	464%

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 $62.
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 Utah Hospital and Clinics 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.