go back

Molecular Strep Throat Test

Colorado rates for HCPCS 87651

This laboratory test detects the genetic material of group A streptococcus bacteria, the germ that causes strep throat, using a rapid DNA-based method. It gives a more sensitive result than a traditional rapid antigen test and is typically run on a throat swab.

Rates data updated October 2026.

How much does Molecular Strep Throat Test cost?

$46.77

Typical negotiated rate. In Colorado, October 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $46.77 for this service. The price depends on where it is billed: about $35.48 from a physician practice, and about $100 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 7 insurance carriers under federal price transparency rules.

Prices by location type

Billed byTypicalRange
Physician practiceA doctor's office, clinic or independent provider$35.48$28.18 to $48.98
FacilityA hospital or hospital-owned outpatient department$100$61.66 to $123

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $100 · 10th to 90th $27 to $162Professionalmedian $35 · 10th to 90th $21 to $72
$20$50$100$200facility $100professional $35

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
$26.92
Median
$60.26
Typical High
$123.03
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$26.92
Median
$37.15
Typical High
$66.07
Anthem BCBS
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$37.15
Median
$104.71
Typical High
$162.18
Anthem BCBS
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$35.48
Median
$35.48
Typical High
$77.62
Cigna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$20.42
Median
$42.66
Typical High
$109.65
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$18.20
Median
$23.99
Typical High
$69.18
Denver HMP
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$26.92
Median
$35.48
Typical High
$72.44
Kaiser Permanente
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$35.48
Median
$50.12
Typical High
$85.11
Select Health
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$35.48
Median
$64.57
Typical High
$74.13
Select Health
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$24.55
Median
$35.48
Typical High
$52.48
United
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$41.69
Median
$41.69
Typical High
$41.69
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$20.89
Median
$28.84
Typical High
$35.48
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
$13.18
Median
$13.49
Typical High
$30.20
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
53 · Discontinued
Typical Low
$5.25
Median
$5.37
Typical High
$12.02
Kaiser Permanente
Setting
Professional
Modifier
QW · Waived lab test
Typical Low
$35.48
Median
$48.98
Typical High
$74.13

Where Colorado sits

The same service costs 3.4 times more in Minnesota 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.

Colorado· 16th of 51

$46.77

MN $95.50MD $28.18

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.