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Viral Culture Identification

Ohio 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 Ohio, October 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $26.92 for this service. The price depends on where it is billed: about $21.88 from a physician practice, and about $48.98 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 9 insurance carriers under federal price transparency rules.

Prices by location type

Billed byTypicalRange
Physician practiceA doctor's office, clinic or independent provider$21.88$16.60 to $32.36
FacilityA hospital or hospital-owned outpatient department$48.98$35.48 to $74.13

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $49 · 10th to 90th $28 to $112Professionalmedian $22 · 10th to 90th $17 to $62
$20$50$100facility $49professional $22

Distribution of negotiated rates across all payers (price axis is log-scale). Need provider-level prices or 24+ months of history? Contact us.

Rates by insurance carrier

Insurance Carrier
Aetna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$33.88
Median
$81.28
Typical High
$125.89
Aetna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
52 · Reduced service
Typical Low
$15.85
Median
$37.15
Typical High
$61.66
Aetna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
53 · Discontinued
Typical Low
$6.46
Median
$14.79
Typical High
$24.55
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$26.92
Median
$35.48
Typical High
$181.97
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
52 · Reduced service
Typical Low
$13.49
Median
$15.85
Typical High
$91.20
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
53 · Discontinued
Typical Low
$5.37
Median
$6.46
Typical High
$37.15
Ambetter
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$20.42
Median
$20.42
Typical High
$20.42
Anthem BCBS
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$27.54
Median
$38.90
Typical High
$61.66
Anthem BCBS
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$16.60
Median
$17.78
Typical High
$42.66
CareSource
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$25.70
Median
$25.70
Typical High
$38.90
CareSource
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$45.71
Median
$45.71
Typical High
$45.71
Cigna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$22.39
Median
$40.74
Typical High
$112.20
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$16.98
Median
$21.38
Typical High
$48.98
Medical Mutual of Ohio
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$22.91
Median
$44.67
Typical High
$128.82
Medical Mutual of Ohio
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$16.98
Median
$22.39
Typical High
$46.77
Molina
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$18.62
Median
$23.99
Typical High
$40.74
SummaCare
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$21.88
Median
$28.84
Typical High
$40.74
United
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$12.30
Median
$30.20
Typical High
$51.29
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$14.13
Median
$22.39
Typical High
$48.98

Where Ohio 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.

Ohio· 43rd 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.