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Gram Stain Microscopic Exam

California rates for HCPCS 87205

This laboratory test applies a special dye to a sample and examines it under a microscope to identify the general type of bacteria, fungi, or cells present. It gives quick, preliminary information about a possible infection, often before slower culture results are available.

Rates data updated July 2026.

Facilitymedian $32 · 10th–90th $6$1260%5%10%10th90th$32Professionalmedian $5 · 10th–90th $3$280%20%10th90th$5$2.0$10.0$50.0$200.0$1.0K$5.0K

Distribution of negotiated rates across all payers (price axis is log-scale). Facility and professional rates are different services and are charted separately. Need provider-level prices? Contact us.

Insurance Carrier
Aetna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$8.51
Median
$45.71
Typical High
$158.49
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$3.31
Median
$5.13
Typical High
$28.18
Ambetter
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$1.45
Median
$2.14
Typical High
$6.76
Anthem BCBS
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$2.45
Median
$10.96
Typical High
$21.38
Anthem BCBS
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$2.09
Median
$3.55
Typical High
$12.59
Blue Shield
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$10.00
Median
$34.67
Typical High
$64.57
Blue Shield
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$3.39
Median
$4.90
Typical High
$12.30
Cigna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$3.24
Median
$7.59
Typical High
$15.85
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$2.51
Median
$5.01
Typical High
$10.96
Contra Costa Health
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$3.47
Median
$4.27
Typical High
$6.76
Kaiser Permanente
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$3.39
Median
$4.27
Typical High
$9.77
Lucent Health
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$60.26
Median
$60.26
Typical High
$100.00
Lucent Health
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$3.55
Median
$5.37
Typical High
$16.22
Molina
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$2.57
Median
$2.57
Typical High
$5.13
Providence
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$3.55
Median
$5.13
Typical High
$13.18
Providence
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$2.51
Median
$3.89
Typical High
$10.96
Sutter Health Plus
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$15.14
Median
$15.14
Typical High
$15.14
The Alliance
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$3.39
Median
$4.37
Typical High
$7.24
United
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$1.78
Median
$3.16
Typical High
$5.25
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$1.78
Median
$2.57
Typical High
$11.48