CMS Price Transparency Data

Culture, bacterial

Facility: Univ. of Vermont - Fletcher Allen Health Care

Billing Code: 87070 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 87070
Insurance Median: $27
Cash Discount Price: $72
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.13x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Culture, bacterial at Univ. of Vermont - Fletcher Allen Health Care is $27. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $72. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $8.62, this hospital’s rate is 3.13x the Medicare baseline. Located in 111 Colchester Ave, Burlington, VT.

Cash / Self-Pay

$72

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$27

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: $72 (835%)

Insurance Median: $27 (313%)

Cash: $72 (835% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $27 (313% 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 313% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 213%). 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
UnitedHealthcare	$5 - $72	58%
Mvp	$7 - $68	81%
Martins Point	$8 - $9	93%
Aetna	$9	104%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$9 - $68	104%
Capital District Physicians' Health Plan	$9 - $54	104%
Humana	$9 - $20	104%
St. Regis	$9	104%
Veterans Affairs Community Care Network	$9	104%
Fidelis Care	$10 - $11	116%
Wellpath	$12 - $40	139%
Ebpa	$30 - $62	348%
Harvard Pilgrim	$31 - $58	360%
Magnacare	$31 - $58	360%
Coventry	$33 - $61	383%
Nppn	$35 - $65	406%
Cigna	$36 - $72	418%

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 $72.
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 Univ. of Vermont - Fletcher Allen Health Care 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.