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Gram Stain Microscopic Exam

Washington, DC 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 October 2026.

How much does Gram Stain Microscopic Exam cost?

$3.39

Typical negotiated rate. In Washington, DC, October 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $3.39 for this service. Most negotiated rates run $3.09 to $6.03.

These are rates insurers have negotiated with providers, not the amount a patient is billed. What you owe depends on your plan's deductible and coinsurance. Based on rates published by 5 insurance carriers under federal price transparency rules.

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $8 · 10th to 90th $3 to $13Professionalmedian $3 · 10th to 90th $3 to $7
$2$5$10$20facility $8professional $3

Distribution of negotiated rates across all payers (price axis is log-scale). Small sample; interpret with caution. Need provider-level prices or 24+ months of history? Contact us.

Rates by insurance carrier

Insurance Carrier
Aetna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$3.24
Median
$7.76
Typical High
$10.47
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$3.24
Median
$3.24
Typical High
$3.24
CareFirst
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$3.09
Median
$3.39
Typical High
$6.03
Cigna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$6.92
Median
$7.24
Typical High
$16.22
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$2.29
Median
$5.01
Typical High
$30.90
Kaiser Permanente
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$8.32
Median
$8.32
Typical High
$8.91
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$1.78
Median
$2.69
Typical High
$7.24

Where Washington, DC sits

The same service costs 24.0 times more in Vermont than in Georgia. Every bar is a state, most expensive first. Touch or drag across it to read any state, then open that state for its carriers and full range.

Washington, DC· 48th of 51

$3.39

VT $75.86GA $3.16

Median negotiated rate in each state, from every insurer that publishes one. States where no insurer publishes a rate for this service are not shown.