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Genetic Test for a Respiratory Bacterium

Louisiana 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?

$38.90

Typical negotiated rate. In Louisiana, October 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $38.90 for this service. The price depends on where it is billed: about $37.15 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 6 insurance carriers under federal price transparency rules.

Prices by location type

Billed byTypicalRange
Physician practiceA doctor's office, clinic or independent provider$37.15$20.42 to $42.66
FacilityA hospital or hospital-owned outpatient department$48.98$29.51 to $79.43

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $49 · 10th to 90th $30 to $129Professionalmedian $37 · 10th to 90th $15 to $62
$10$20$50$100$200facility $49professional $37

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
$37.15
Median
$47.86
Typical High
$169.82
Aetna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
52 · Reduced service
Typical Low
$18.62
Median
$23.99
Typical High
$89.13
Aetna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
53 · Discontinued
Typical Low
$7.41
Median
$9.55
Typical High
$36.31
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$26.92
Median
$41.69
Typical High
$54.95
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
52 · Reduced service
Typical Low
$18.62
Median
$20.89
Typical High
$22.91
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
53 · Discontinued
Typical Low
$7.41
Median
$8.32
Typical High
$9.12
Ambetter
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$17.38
Median
$17.38
Typical High
$17.38
BCBS Louisiana
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$43.65
Median
$70.79
Typical High
$131.83
BCBS Louisiana
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$33.11
Median
$38.90
Typical High
$57.54
Christus
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$29.51
Median
$29.51
Typical High
$29.51
Cigna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$38.90
Median
$97.72
Typical High
$213.80
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$16.22
Median
$27.54
Typical High
$74.13
United
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$14.79
Median
$31.62
Typical High
$35.48
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$14.79
Median
$20.42
Typical High
$63.10

Where Louisiana 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.

Louisiana· 24th of 51

$38.90

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.