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Genetic Test for a Respiratory Bacterium

Montana 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?

$50.12

Typical negotiated rate. In Montana, July 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $50.12 for this service. The price depends on where it is billed: about $48.98 from a physician practice, and about $69.18 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 6 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$48.98$41.69 to $53.70
FacilityA hospital or hospital-owned outpatient department$69.18$46.77 to $138

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $69 · 10th to 90th $44 to $269Professionalmedian $49 · 10th to 90th $32 to $69
$100$1K$10K$100Kfacility $69professional $49

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
$102.33
Median
$147.91
Typical High
$389.05
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$35.48
Median
$50.12
Typical High
$56.23
BCBS
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$46.77
Median
$269.15
Typical High
$87,096.36
BCBS
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$46.77
Median
$46.77
Typical High
$46.77
Cigna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$51.29
Median
$60.26
Typical High
$199.53
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$23.99
Median
$23.99
Typical High
$51.29
MountainHealth Co-op
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$35.48
Median
$50.12
Typical High
$109.65
MountainHealth Co-op
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$35.48
Median
$50.12
Typical High
$109.65
Providence
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$51.29
Median
$70.79
Typical High
$199.53
Providence
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$31.62
Median
$31.62
Typical High
$56.23
United
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$35.48
Median
$35.48
Typical High
$35.48
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$14.79
Median
$19.95
Typical High
$48.98

Where Montana 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.

Montana· 7th of 51

$50.12

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.