Lab tests
Meningitis/encephalitis pathogen panel (PCR), 12–25 targets cost in Iowa
Meningitis/encephalitis pathogen panel (PCR), 12–25 targets is a lab test. Many labs sell tests directly to the public for a flat cash price, often far below hospital prices.
Typical cash price
In Iowa
From 60 hospital and 0 clinic prices in Iowa.
Nationwide typical: $688 (most listed prices $278–$1,863).
Cheapest in Iowa
- Methodist Jennie EdmundsonMeningitis/encephalitis pathogen panel (PCR), 12–25 targetsFacility fee only$144
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Methodist Jennie Edmundson price file · checked Oct 2026 - Spencer Municipal HospitalMeningitis/encephalitis pathogen panel (PCR), 12–25 targetsFacility fee only$163
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Spencer Municipal Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Story County Medical CenterMeningitis/encephalitis pathogen panel (PCR), 12–25 targetsFacility fee only$214
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Story County Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $238
Doctor fees are billed separately. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: Mahaska Health price file · checked Oct 2026 - Greene County Medical CenterMeningitis/encephalitis pathogen panel (PCR), 12–25 targetsFacility fee only$314
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Greene County Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - Van Buren County Hospital, Keosauqua, IowaMeningitis/encephalitis pathogen panel (PCR), 12–25 targetsFacility fee only$337
Doctor fees are billed separately. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: Van Buren County Hospital, Keosauqua, Iowa price file · checked Oct 2026 - $365
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Regional Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - UnityPoint Health - Allen HospitalMeningitis/encephalitis pathogen panel (PCR), 12–25 targetsFacility fee only$400
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: UnityPoint Health - Allen Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - UnityPoint Health - Finley HospitalMeningitis/encephalitis pathogen panel (PCR), 12–25 targetsFacility fee only$400
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: UnityPoint Health - Finley Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical CenterMeningitis/encephalitis pathogen panel (PCR), 12–25 targetsFacility fee only$400
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Cent price fil · checked Oct 2026 - UnityPoint Health - Iowa Lutheran HospitalMeningitis/encephalitis pathogen panel (PCR), 12–25 targetsFacility fee only$400
Doctor fees are billed separately. +1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: UnityPoint Health - Iowa Lutheran Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - UnityPoint Health - Jones Regional Medical CenterMeningitis/encephalitis pathogen panel (PCR), 12–25 targetsFacility fee only$400
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: UnityPoint Health - Jones Regional Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026
See all prices for Meningitis/encephalitis pathogen panel (PCR), 12–25 targets
Common questions
Do I need a doctor's order?
In most states, direct-to-consumer labs can sell many tests without a separate doctor visit. Some states and some tests still require an order.
Is the blood draw included?
Usually yes for lab stores and booking sites. Hospitals sometimes bill the draw (venipuncture) separately.
Why are prices so different?
Each hospital and clinic sets its own cash price. Hospitals publish prices because federal rules require it; clinics and booking sites set prices to compete. The same service can cost several times more at one place than at another nearby.
Can I pay cash if I have insurance?
Yes. You can choose to self-pay. A cash price is often lower than what you would pay before meeting your deductible. Cash payments may not count toward your deductible, so check with your plan. Our cash vs. insurance tool can help you decide.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
If you are uninsured or paying cash, providers must give you a Good Faith Estimate of the cost on request. If your final bill is $400 or more above the estimate, you can dispute it.