Injection, non-radioactive, non-contrast, visualization adjunct (e.g., methylene blue, isosulfan blue), 1 mg
Medicare pricing data for 129 providers across 23 states
This procedure has a 5.1x markup — hospitals charge $35.26 but Medicare allows only $6.87. Uninsured patients may face bills 5.1 times higher than what insurance negotiates. Prices vary significantly by location — from $3 in North Carolina to $8 in Nevada. Where you get this procedure matters more than almost any other factor. Note: These costs reflect the Medicare physician/supplier component. Hospital facility fees are billed separately and can be 2-5x the physician fee.
💡 What You Should Know
Injection, non-radioactive, non-contrast, visualization adjunct (e.g., methylene blue, isosulfan blue), 1 mg (HCPCS code Q9968) is a medical procedure billed to Medicare. The average Medicare-allowed cost is $6.87, but hospitals typically charge $35.26 — a 5.1x markup. Prices vary significantly by state and provider.
🏷️ Typical Out-of-Pocket Cost
Medicare patients typically pay about 20% of the allowed amount as coinsurance. Based on the average allowed cost of $6.87, your out-of-pocket cost would be approximately $1.37. Actual costs depend on your specific plan, deductible, and whether you've met your annual out-of-pocket maximum.
What Hospitals Charge vs. What Medicare Pays
Hospitals charge 5.1x more than what Medicare allows for this procedure. Medicare actually pays $5.48 on average.
Cost by State
Medicare-allowed amounts vary significantly by state
| State | Allowed Cost | Hospital Charge | Providers | Services | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | $8 | $154 | 1 | 29 | +9.3% |
| Tennessee | $8 | $357 | 3 | 21 | +9.3% |
| Wisconsin | $8 | $18 | 2 | 1,955 | +9.3% |
| Colorado | $8 | $12 | 5 | 1,363 | +9.3% |
| Idaho | $7 | $15 | 1 | 440 | +9.0% |
| Kansas | $7 | $12 | 1 | 1,210 | +8.9% |
| Washington | $7 | $25 | 1 | 299 | +8.9% |
| New York | $7 | $204 | 3 | 120 | +8.6% |
| Maryland | $7 | $33 | 1 | 1,800 | +8.4% |
| Massachusetts | $7 | $150 | 1 | 14 | +8.4% |
| Missouri | $7 | $58 | 3 | 776 | +8.3% |
| Utah | $7 | $13 | 6 | 3,970 | +8.0% |
| Michigan | $7 | $18 | 2 | 1,000 | +7.7% |
| Texas | $7 | $46 | 22 | 6,516 | +7.4% |
| Georgia | $7 | $24 | 2 | 331 | +7.3% |
| California | $7 | $134 | 16 | 2,374 | +6.6% |
| Oklahoma | $7 | $27 | 1 | 902 | +4.9% |
| Florida | $7 | $14 | 19 | 4,958 | +3.6% |
| Alaska | $7 | $22 | 3 | 376 | +1.6% |
| Arizona | $7 | $37 | 4 | 171 | +1.3% |
| South Carolina | $7 | $12 | 2 | 1,526 | +0.4% |
| Louisiana | $5 | $18 | 4 | 239 | -29.5% |
| North Carolina | $3 | $41 | 9 | 2,789 | -60.3% |
⚠️ Important: These costs reflect the Medicare physician/supplier component. Hospital facility fees may be billed separately. Total out-of-pocket costs may be higher.
💊 Need post-procedure medications? Check costs on OpenPrescriber