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Special Stain Smear Exam For Germs

Washington, DC rates for HCPCS 87206

A sample from the body is spread on a slide and treated with a special fluorescent or acid-fast stain, then examined under a microscope to look for certain bacteria, fungi, or parasites that are hard to see with routine staining, including the type of bacteria that causes tuberculosis. A specialist reports back on what, if anything, is seen. It gives a fast, same-day clue about a possible infection while slower culture results are still pending.

Rates data updated October 2026.

How much does Special Stain Smear Exam For Germs cost?

$4.27

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

Insurers have agreed to pay about $4.27 for this service. Most negotiated rates run $3.89 to $7.59.

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 $10 · 10th to 90th $4 to $17Professionalmedian $4 · 10th to 90th $3 to $9
$5$10$20facility $10professional $4

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
$4.07
Median
$9.77
Typical High
$13.18
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$4.07
Median
$4.07
Typical High
$4.07
CareFirst
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$3.89
Median
$4.27
Typical High
$7.59
Cigna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$8.71
Median
$9.12
Typical High
$19.95
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$2.88
Median
$6.17
Typical High
$40.74
Kaiser Permanente
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$10.47
Median
$10.47
Typical High
$11.22
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$2.24
Median
$3.39
Typical High
$9.12

Where Washington, DC sits

The same service costs 4.2 times more in Kansas than in Maryland. 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

$4.27

KS $16.98MD $4.07

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.