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Viral Culture Identification

Nationwide rates for HCPCS 87255

This is a laboratory test that attempts to grow a virus from a patient sample in living cells, then identifies it using methods other than watching for the visible changes it causes to those cells. It is one way to confirm a viral infection, though it has largely been supplemented by faster molecular tests in many settings.

Rates data updated July 2026.

Facilitymedian $63 · 10th–90th $28$1860%10%10th90th$63Professionalmedian $30 · 10th–90th $20$660%20%10th90th$30$2.0$20.0$200.0$2.0K$20.0K

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
$27.54
Median
$64.57
Typical High
$190.55
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$25.12
Median
$30.20
Typical High
$60.26
BCBS
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$33.88
Median
$51.29
Typical High
$154.88
BCBS
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$16.60
Median
$20.42
Typical High
$67.61
Cigna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$28.18
Median
$67.61
Typical High
$154.88
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$20.42
Median
$40.74
Typical High
$81.28
United
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$16.98
Median
$33.88
Typical High
$48.98
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$14.13
Median
$20.42
Typical High
$51.29