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Genetic Test for a Respiratory Bacterium

Washington, DC 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 July 2026.

How much does Genetic Test for a Respiratory Bacterium cost?

$27.54

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

Insurers have agreed to pay about $27.54 for this service. The price depends on where it is billed: about $26.30 from a physician practice, and about $126 from a hospital or other facility. The two figures are alternatives, not parts of one bill.

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.

Where it's billed changes the price

Billed byTypicalRange
Physician practiceA doctor's office, clinic or independent provider$26.30$25.70 to $27.54
FacilityA hospital or hospital-owned outpatient department$126$63.10 to $166

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $126 · 10th to 90th $26 to $174Professionalmedian $26 · 10th to 90th $26 to $59
$20$50$100$200facility $126professional $26

Distribution of negotiated rates across all payers (price axis is log-scale). Each curve is scaled to its own total: facility and professional rates are different services, shown together to compare where they cluster. Need provider-level prices or 24+ months of history? Contact us.

Rates by insurance carrier

Insurance Carrier
Aetna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$26.30
Median
$125.89
Typical High
$173.78
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$25.70
Median
$26.30
Typical High
$27.54
CareFirst
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$25.12
Median
$100.00
Typical High
$363.08
Cigna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$57.54
Median
$58.88
Typical High
$134.90
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$20.89
Median
$40.74
Typical High
$158.49
Kaiser Permanente
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$40.74
Median
$67.61
Typical High
$70.79
United
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$20.42
Median
$41.69
Typical High
$398.11
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$14.79
Median
$19.50
Typical High
$33.11

Where Washington, DC sits

The same service costs 2.5 times more in Alaska than in Washington, DC. 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· 51st of 51

$27.54

AK $69.18DC $27.54

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.