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Gram Stain Microscopic Exam

South Dakota 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?

$5.62

Typical negotiated rate. In South Dakota, October 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $5.62 for this service. The price depends on where it is billed: about $5.01 from a physician practice, and about $8.32 from a hospital or other facility.

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 6 insurance carriers under federal price transparency rules.

Prices by location type

Billed byTypicalRange
Physician practiceA doctor's office, clinic or independent provider$5.01$3.02 to $8.71
FacilityA hospital or hospital-owned outpatient department$8.32$4.79 to $15.49

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $8 · 10th to 90th $4 to $58Professionalmedian $5 · 10th to 90th $3 to $10
$2$5$10$20$50$100facility $8professional $5

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
$3.55
Median
$4.90
Typical High
$15.49
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$2.88
Median
$3.02
Typical High
$5.62
Cigna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$8.32
Median
$8.32
Typical High
$8.32
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$5.01
Median
$8.32
Typical High
$10.23
Medica
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$4.79
Median
$6.92
Typical High
$63.10
Medica
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$2.57
Median
$3.80
Typical High
$5.13
Sanford Health Plan
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$7.08
Median
$10.00
Typical High
$11.75
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$1.78
Median
$3.02
Typical High
$5.13
Wellmark
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$4.27
Median
$4.27
Typical High
$4.27

Where South Dakota 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.

South Dakota· 15th of 51

$5.62

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.