How Much Does a Urine Culture Cost?
A urinary culture is used to determine whether or not you are suffering from a urinary tract infection and is ordered when there’s either a strong smell during urination or a burning sensation while urinating. The test can also be used during a routine checkup during pregnancy to screen for bacteria.
How much does a urine culture test cost?
In most cases, the test can be done via an online lab or at a family doctor’s office. The test alone can cost $15 to $55 without insurance, but this won’t include the doctor’s office fee if you were to have it done at a local doctor’s office.
The Healthcare Bluebook says a fair price is $22, but the costs could be in the $17 to $55+ range.
MDSave.com says the national average is $48, but the regular price ranges can be anywhere from $13 to $64.
Urine culture test overview
A urine culture will be used to determine if you’re suffering from a urinary tract infection and will help a physician determine which antibiotics you’re responsive to by testing the levels of bacteria in the urine.
If you do test positive, which is higher than 100,000 CFL/mL, the report will show which antibiotics should be used to help cure the infection. A range of 1,000 to 100,000 CFU (colony forming units) per milliliter can be considered as a normal result, but the numbers in this range could sometimes mean symptoms are present. Test results, most of the time, will take 24 to 72 business hours to see results.
What are the extra costs?
As mentioned, if the test needs to be completed at a doctor’s office, then this could add another $50 to $125+ for the office visit fee.
If you do test positive for a UTI, then your doctor will prescribe a drug/prescription to treat your infection. Most infections can easily be treated; however, if the infection were to spread to the bloodstream or kidneys, additional tests would be required.
Depending on your situation, a doctor may recommend a follow-up visit to check up on your progress.
A single culture, according to WalkinLab.com, is 80 percent accurate, but with two cultures containing the same organisms with a count of 105 or more represent a 95 percent chance of true bacteriuria;.
Tips to know:
Doctors recommend taking this test first thing in the morning as your urine is more concentrated, but in most cases, the time of collection usually isn’t important.
Women are more susceptible to a UTI because the female urethra is shorter and closer to the anus, making it easier for the bacteria from the intestines to come into contact with the urethra.
How can I save money?
Be sure to check with your health insurance policy since most policies may cover this type of test, and as long as medically necessary, you will only be responsible for the co-pays and deductible.
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Average Reported Cost: $221
How much did you spend?
- x (Irvine, California) paid $84 and said:
Charged $84, out of pocket $27 for a urine culture for UTI confirmation.
Was it worth it? Yes
- xx (Ventura, California) paid $240 and said:
$60 for urine test and $180 for culture
Was it worth it? Yes
- Diane (Meridian, Mississippi) paid $467 and said:
467.00 No insurance, all out of pocket expense. Won’t be doing it again. I’ll order fish antibiotics! lol
Was it worth it? Yes
- 321 (Virginia Beach, Virginia) paid $93 and said:
$93 charge from Quest Diagnostics
Was it worth it? Yes
