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Molecular Strep Throat Test

Minnesota 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?

$95.50

Typical negotiated rate. In Minnesota, October 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $95.50 for this service. The price depends on where it is billed: about $40.74 from a physician practice, and about $97.72 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 6 insurance carriers under federal price transparency rules.

Prices by location type

Billed byTypicalRange
Physician practiceA doctor's office, clinic or independent provider$40.74$38.02 to $54.95
FacilityA hospital or hospital-owned outpatient department$97.72$75.86 to $129

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $98 · 10th to 90th $47 to $151Professionalmedian $41 · 10th to 90th $33 to $138
$20$50$100$200facility $98professional $41

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
$46.77
Median
$97.72
Typical High
$151.36
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$33.11
Median
$33.11
Typical High
$58.88
BCBS Minnesota
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$33.11
Median
$35.48
Typical High
$81.28
Cigna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$69.18
Median
$112.20
Typical High
$323.59
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$40.74
Median
$45.71
Typical High
$67.61
Health Partners
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$66.07
Median
$107.15
Typical High
$257.04
Health Partners
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$39.81
Median
$39.81
Typical High
$66.07
Medica
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$51.29
Median
$93.33
Typical High
$147.91
Medica
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$31.62
Median
$54.95
Typical High
$288.40
United
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$35.48
Median
$35.48
Typical High
$41.69
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$20.89
Median
$38.90
Typical High
$83.18
5 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
Facility
Modifier
52 · Reduced service
Typical Low
$16.60
Median
$16.60
Typical High
$16.60
Aetna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
53 · Discontinued
Typical Low
$6.61
Median
$6.61
Typical High
$6.61
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
52 · Reduced service
Typical Low
$16.60
Median
$16.60
Typical High
$20.89
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
53 · Discontinued
Typical Low
$6.61
Median
$6.61
Typical High
$8.51
BCBS Minnesota
Setting
Professional
Modifier
QW · Waived lab test
Typical Low
$28.18
Median
$31.62
Typical High
$35.48

Where Minnesota 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.

Minnesota· 1st of 51

$95.50

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.