How Much Does Bacterial Culture (Wound or Body Site) Cost?
Also known as: Bacterial culture, any other source except urine, blood or stool, aerobic (CPT 87070)
A test that identifies bacteria from a wound or infection site and determines which antibiotics will kill them.
Bacterial Culture (Wound or Body Site) (CPT 87070) costs $9 at Medicare rates.
Patient Guide: Bacterial Culture (Wound or Body Site)
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
A healthcare worker collects a sample by swabbing the infected area. The lab grows and identifies the bacteria.
How Long Does It Take?
5 minutes to collect, results in 2-5 days
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Wound infection, skin infection, abscess, post-surgical infection
How to Prepare
Do not clean the wound before the culture is taken. Avoid applying antibacterial ointment to the area.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Bacterial culture, any other source except urine, blood or stool, aerobic
How to Reduce Your Cost for Bacterial culture, any other source except urine, blood or stool, aerobic
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 culture, any other source except urine, blood or stool, aerobic cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Bacterial culture, any other source except urine, blood or stool, aerobic is $9. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Bacterial culture, any other source except urine, blood or stool, aerobic cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Bacterial culture, any other source except urine, blood or stool, aerobic 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 culture, any other source except urine, blood or stool, aerobic?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Bacterial culture, any other source except urine, blood or stool, aerobic 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.