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Viral Culture Identification

Washington, DC 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 October 2026.

How much does Viral Culture Identification cost?

$26.92

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

Insurers have agreed to pay about $26.92 for this service. Most negotiated rates run $24.55 to $46.77.

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 $58 · 10th to 90th $25 to $129Professionalmedian $27 · 10th to 90th $21 to $58
$20$50$100$200facility $58professional $27

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
$25.12
Median
$25.12
Typical High
$83.18
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$25.12
Median
$25.12
Typical High
$25.12
CareFirst
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$24.55
Median
$26.92
Typical High
$46.77
Cigna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$54.95
Median
$57.54
Typical High
$128.82
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$18.62
Median
$38.90
Typical High
$251.19
Kaiser Permanente
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$66.07
Median
$66.07
Typical High
$70.79
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$14.13
Median
$21.38
Typical High
$57.54

Where Washington, DC sits

The same service costs 3.7 times more in Alaska 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· 42nd of 51

$26.92

AK $93.33MD $25.12

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.