Lab tests
Meningitis/encephalitis pathogen panel (PCR), 12–25 targets cost in Texas
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 Texas
From 246 hospital and 1 clinic prices in Texas.
Nationwide typical: $688 (most listed prices $278–$1,863).
Cheapest in Texas
- Ascension Seton Smithville (Ascension Seton)Meningitis/encephalitis pathogen panel (PCR), 12–25 targetsFacility fee only$35.19
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Ascension Seton Smithville (Ascension Seton) price file · checked Oct 2026 - Dell Children's Medical Center (Ascension Seton)Meningitis/encephalitis pathogen panel (PCR), 12–25 targetsFacility fee only$68.43
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Dell Children's Medical Center (Ascension Seton) price file · checked Oct 2026 - UTHealth East Texas North CampusMeningitis/encephalitis pathogen panel (PCR), 12–25 targetsFacility fee only$90.70
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: UTHealth East Texas North Campus price file · checked Oct 2026 - UTHealth East Texas TylerMeningitis/encephalitis pathogen panel (PCR), 12–25 targetsFacility fee only$92.60
Doctor fees are billed separately. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: UTHealth East Texas Tyler price file · checked Oct 2026 - UTHealth East Texas CarthageMeningitis/encephalitis pathogen panel (PCR), 12–25 targetsFacility fee only$151
Doctor fees are billed separately. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: UTHealth East Texas Carthage price file · checked Oct 2026 - Methodist Celina Medical CenterMeningitis/encephalitis pathogen panel (PCR), 12–25 targetsFacility fee only$164
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Methodist Celina Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - Methodist Dallas Medical CenterMeningitis/encephalitis pathogen panel (PCR), 12–25 targetsFacility fee only$164
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Methodist Dallas Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - Methodist Legacy ER and Urgent CareMeningitis/encephalitis pathogen panel (PCR), 12–25 targetsFacility fee only$164
Doctor fees are billed separately. +1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Methodist Legacy ER and Urgent Care price file · checked Oct 2026 - Methodist Mansfield Medical CenterMeningitis/encephalitis pathogen panel (PCR), 12–25 targetsFacility fee only$164
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Methodist Mansfield Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - Methodist Midlothian Medical CenterMeningitis/encephalitis pathogen panel (PCR), 12–25 targetsFacility fee only$164
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Methodist Midlothian Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - Methodist Richardson Medical CenterMeningitis/encephalitis pathogen panel (PCR), 12–25 targetsFacility fee only$164
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Methodist Richardson Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - UTHealth East Texas AthensMeningitis/encephalitis pathogen panel (PCR), 12–25 targetsFacility fee only$170
Doctor fees are billed separately. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: UTHealth East Texas Athens 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.