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Gram Stain Microscopic Exam

Vermont 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?

$75.86

Typical negotiated rate. In Vermont, October 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $75.86 for this service. The price depends on where it is billed: about $5.62 from a physician practice, and about $75.86 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 5 insurance carriers under federal price transparency rules.

Prices by location type

Billed byTypicalRange
Physician practiceA doctor's office, clinic or independent provider$5.62$3.47 to $7.41
FacilityA hospital or hospital-owned outpatient department$75.86$58.88 to $91.20

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $76 · 10th to 90th $52 to $117Professionalmedian $6 · 10th to 90th $3 to $8
$2$5$10$20$50$100facility $76professional $6

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
$52.48
Median
$75.86
Typical High
$117.49
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$5.62
Median
$7.41
Typical High
$7.41
BCBS Vermont
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$33.11
Median
$72.44
Typical High
$79.43
BCBS Vermont
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$5.25
Median
$5.25
Typical High
$5.25
Cigna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$7.08
Median
$7.08
Typical High
$60.26
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$2.95
Median
$5.75
Typical High
$7.59
MVP Health Care
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$4.27
Median
$4.27
Typical High
$4.27
MVP Health Care
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$3.47
Median
$3.47
Typical High
$3.47
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$1.95
Median
$3.72
Typical High
$9.55

Where Vermont 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.

Vermont· 1st of 51

$75.86

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.