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Molecular Strep Throat Test

South Carolina 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?

$48.98

Typical negotiated rate. In South Carolina, October 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $48.98 for this service. The price depends on where it is billed: about $41.69 from a physician practice, and about $107 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$41.69$27.54 to $50.12
FacilityA hospital or hospital-owned outpatient department$107$74.13 to $178

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $107 · 10th to 90th $46 to $224Professionalmedian $42 · 10th to 90th $14 to $55
$20$50$100$200facility $107professional $42

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
$74.13
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$27.54
Median
$27.54
Typical High
$45.71
Ambetter
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$41.69
Median
$48.98
Typical High
$54.95
Ambetter
Setting
Professional
Modifier
QW · Waived lab test
Typical Low
$29.51
Median
$35.48
Typical High
$64.57
BCBS South Carolina
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$64.57
Median
$117.49
Typical High
$234.42
BCBS South Carolina
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$14.13
Median
$48.98
Typical High
$50.12
BCBS South Carolina
Setting
Professional
Modifier
QW · Waived lab test
Typical Low
$35.48
Median
$35.48
Typical High
$37.15
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
$23.44
Typical High
$46.77
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
$20.89
Median
$35.48
Typical High
$48.98
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 3.4 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.

South Carolina· 13th of 51

$48.98

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.