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Genetic Test for a Respiratory Bacterium

Maryland 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?

$26.30

Typical negotiated rate. In Maryland, October 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $26.30 for this service. Most negotiated rates run $23.99 to $32.36.

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.

How much rates vary

Professionalmedian $26 · 10th to 90th $19 to $41
$20$50$100professional $26

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
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$25.70
Median
$26.30
Typical High
$32.36
CareFirst
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$25.12
Median
$28.18
Typical High
$33.88
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$19.05
Median
$30.20
Typical High
$102.33
Kaiser Permanente
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$35.48
Median
$41.69
Typical High
$52.48
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$15.85
Median
$20.42
Typical High
$32.36
Wellpoint
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$34.67
Median
$34.67
Typical High
$34.67
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
$12.88
Median
$13.18
Typical High
$14.13
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
53 · Discontinued
Typical Low
$5.25
Median
$5.25
Typical High
$5.62

Where Maryland 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.

Maryland· 51st of 51

$26.30

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.