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Genetic Test for a Respiratory Bacterium

Colorado rates for HCPCS 87486

A laboratory test that detects genetic material from a specific type of bacterium linked to respiratory tract infection, using a technique that amplifies small amounts of genetic material so the test can find even a low level of the organism. A sample is usually collected from the nose, throat, or lower airway. Results help identify this particular cause of a cough, chest infection, or pneumonia-like illness.

Rates data updated October 2026.

How much does Genetic Test for a Respiratory Bacterium cost?

$46.77

Typical negotiated rate. In Colorado, October 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $46.77 for this service. The price depends on where it is billed: about $35.48 from a physician practice, and about $102 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 7 insurance carriers under federal price transparency rules.

Prices by location type

Billed byTypicalRange
Physician practiceA doctor's office, clinic or independent provider$35.48$24.55 to $46.77
FacilityA hospital or hospital-owned outpatient department$102$63.10 to $123

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $102 · 10th to 90th $27 to $162Professionalmedian $35 · 10th to 90th $17 to $72
$20$50$100$200facility $102professional $35

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
$26.92
Median
$61.66
Typical High
$123.03
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$26.92
Median
$28.18
Typical High
$52.48
Anthem BCBS
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$37.15
Median
$104.71
Typical High
$162.18
Anthem BCBS
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$35.48
Median
$35.48
Typical High
$77.62
Cigna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$20.42
Median
$42.66
Typical High
$109.65
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$18.20
Median
$25.12
Typical High
$70.79
Denver HMP
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$26.92
Median
$35.48
Typical High
$72.44
Kaiser Permanente
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$35.48
Median
$50.12
Typical High
$74.13
Select Health
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$35.48
Median
$64.57
Typical High
$74.13
Select Health
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$24.55
Median
$35.48
Typical High
$52.48
United
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$41.69
Median
$41.69
Typical High
$41.69
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$14.79
Median
$19.95
Typical High
$25.70
2 more rates with less common billing modifiers

A modifier changes what was billed, for example a reduced or repeated service. Each of these modifiers carries under 10% of the published rates for this code. Modifier combinations, and modifiers with fewer than 30 rates for a carrier, are not listed.

Insurance Carrier
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
52 · Reduced service
Typical Low
$13.18
Median
$13.49
Typical High
$27.54
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
53 · Discontinued
Typical Low
$5.25
Median
$5.37
Typical High
$10.96

Where Colorado sits

The same service costs 3.0 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.

Colorado· 14th of 51

$46.77

AK $79.43MD $26.30

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.