How Much Does Bacterial Blood Culture Cost?
Also known as: Bacterial blood culture (CPT 87040)
A blood culture test to check for bacteria or other organisms in your bloodstream.
Bacterial Blood Culture (CPT 87040) costs $10 at Medicare rates.
The rates shown below represent the complete Medicare reimbursement for this service. No separate facility fee applies for this type of procedure.
Patient Guide: Bacterial Blood Culture
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
Blood is drawn from a vein (usually from two different sites) into special bottles. The lab monitors the bottles for bacterial growth over several days.
How Long Does It Take?
10-15 minutes for blood collection from two sites
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Suspected blood infection (sepsis), high fever of unknown cause, evaluation of infection in hospitalized patients
How to Prepare
No special preparation. The skin is carefully cleaned before each blood draw to prevent contamination.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Bacterial blood culture
How to Reduce Your Cost for Bacterial blood culture
Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars
- 1 Ask about cash-pay discounts
Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.
- 2 Compare facility vs. office setting costs
Some procedures cost significantly less in an office setting than a hospital. Ask your provider about options.
- 3 Shop around — costs vary significantly
Costs can vary 2-3x between providers in the same city. Get quotes from multiple facilities.
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Bacterial blood culture cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Bacterial blood culture is $10. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Bacterial blood culture cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Bacterial blood culture can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.
Does insurance cover Bacterial blood culture?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Bacterial blood culture when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.
Why does the cost vary so much by location?
Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.