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Genetic Test for a Respiratory Bacterium

Iowa 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?

$45.71

Typical negotiated rate. In Iowa, July 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $45.71 for this service. The price depends on where it is billed: about $40.74 from a physician practice, and about $66.07 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 8 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$40.74$30.20 to $83.18
FacilityA hospital or hospital-owned outpatient department$66.07$35.48 to $93.33

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $66 · 10th to 90th $27 to $166Professionalmedian $41 · 10th to 90th $25 to $214
$20$50$100$200$500$1Kfacility $66professional $41

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
$26.92
Median
$83.18
Typical High
$288.40
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$26.92
Median
$40.74
Typical High
$229.09
Cigna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$75.86
Median
$75.86
Typical High
$75.86
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$45.71
Median
$66.07
Typical High
$83.18
Hally Health
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$35.48
Median
$58.88
Typical High
$93.33
Medica
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$35.48
Median
$52.48
Typical High
$109.65
Medica
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$20.89
Median
$45.71
Typical High
$288.40
Midlands
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$42.66
Median
$46.77
Typical High
$46.77
Oscar Health
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$33.88
Median
$38.02
Typical High
$74.13
United
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$35.48
Median
$35.48
Typical High
$81.28
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$20.89
Median
$29.51
Typical High
$97.72
Wellmark
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$35.48
Median
$35.48
Typical High
$35.48

Where Iowa 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.

Iowa· 13th of 51

$45.71

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.