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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 October 2026.

How much does Genetic Test for a Respiratory Bacterium cost?

$35.48

Typical negotiated rate. In South Carolina, October 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $35.48 for this service. The price depends on where it is billed: about $33.11 from a physician practice, and about $141 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 5 insurance carriers under federal price transparency rules.

Prices by location type

Billed byTypicalRange
Physician practiceA doctor's office, clinic or independent provider$33.11$27.54 to $35.48
FacilityA hospital or hospital-owned outpatient department$141$110 to $224

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $141 · 10th to 90th $58 to $316Professionalmedian $33 · 10th to 90th $21 to $60
$20$50$100$200facility $141professional $33

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
$27.54
Median
$27.54
Typical High
$56.23
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$27.54
Median
$27.54
Typical High
$33.88
BCBS South Carolina
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$107.15
Median
$186.21
Typical High
$331.13
BCBS South Carolina
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$33.11
Median
$35.48
Typical High
$43.65
Cigna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$66.07
Median
$89.13
Typical High
$213.80
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$17.78
Median
$22.91
Typical High
$52.48
Medcost
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$27.54
Median
$37.15
Typical High
$100.00
Medcost
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$41.69
Median
$60.26
Typical High
$72.44
United
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$31.62
Median
$31.62
Typical High
$41.69
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$14.79
Median
$23.99
Typical High
$41.69
3 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
$13.80
Median
$13.80
Typical High
$14.13
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
53 · Discontinued
Typical Low
$5.50
Median
$5.50
Typical High
$5.62
Medcost
Setting
Professional
Modifier
51 · Multiple procedures
Typical Low
$22.39
Median
$32.36
Typical High
$37.15

Where South Carolina 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.

South Carolina· 30th of 51

$35.48

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.