go back

Genetic Test for a Respiratory Bacterium

South Carolina 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?

$40.74

Typical negotiated rate. In South Carolina, July 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $40.74 for this service. The price depends on where it is billed: about $30.20 from a physician practice, and about $110 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$30.20$27.54 to $41.69
FacilityA hospital or hospital-owned outpatient department$110$48.98 to $166

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $110 · 10th to 90th $28 to $245Professionalmedian $30 · 10th to 90th $26 to $100
$20$50$100$200facility $110professional $30

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
$27.54
Median
$87.10
Typical High
$190.55
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$27.54
Median
$30.20
Typical High
$257.04
Ambetter
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$17.38
Median
$17.38
Typical High
$17.38
BCBS
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$67.61
Median
$208.93
Typical High
$338.84
BCBS
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$33.11
Median
$36.31
Typical High
$54.95
Cigna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$45.71
Median
$114.82
Typical High
$288.40
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$17.78
Median
$22.91
Typical High
$52.48
Medcost
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$27.54
Median
$40.74
Typical High
$77.62
United
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$31.62
Median
$35.48
Typical High
$41.69
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$14.79
Median
$24.55
Typical High
$54.95

Where South Carolina 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.

South Carolina· 27th of 51

$40.74

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.