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See a sample rate comparisonCPT 87046 Fee Schedule
Medicare rates as of January 2026
CPT 87046 is classified under Pathology and Laboratory Procedures, in the Microbiology Procedures subgroup.
Stool Test For Bacteria, This Test Is Done To Look For The Presence Of Bacteria Which May Cause A Diarrheal Illness. A Specimen Of Fecal Material Is Submitted And The Types Of Bacteria Which Grow From That Specimen Are Analyzed.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Pathology and Laboratory Procedures Microbiology Procedures |
| Common Place of Service | 81 - Independent Laboratory 11 - Office |
| Common Modifiers | 26 - Professional component 91 - Repeat Lab Test |
| Complexity Level | Low |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | $9.44 national lab fee schedule rate (2026) · View Medicare rates for 87046 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | $8.685 median of the 8 states in the free preview · View Medicaid rates for 87046 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 87046 by major payers:
$9.24
BCBS / Anthem
$6.67
UnitedHealthcare
$10.77
Aetna
$13.48
Cigna
Compare published rates across providers.
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CPT 87046
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
St. Luke'S Community Health Services, St. Luke'S The Woodlands Hospital
St Lukes Community Health Services
$17.48Published rateChildren'S Hospital
Childrens Hospital Inc
$11.59Published rateScott & White Memorial Hospital, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple
Scott & White Memorial Hospital
$9.43Published rateGranbury Hospital Corporation, Lake Granbury Medical Center
Granbury Hospital Corporation
$9.43Published rateJps Health
Los Barrios Unidos Community Clinic Inc
$3.96Published rate
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 87046 vs. Other Microbiology Procedures Codes
The table lists codes related to 87046. Select one to see its fee schedule.
| Code | Complexity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 87003-CPT | Low | Control Test For Infection, The Test Is Used To Diagnose An Infection By Injecting A Small Amount Of The Test Sample Into A Small Animal. The Animal Is Observed For Signs Of An Infection For Up To Three Weeks. |
| 87015-CPT | Low | Infection Test Concentration, This Test Method Identifies Bacteria Or Parasites That Are The Cause Of An Infection. The Sample Is Concentrated So That The Infection Organisms Collect Together. |
| 87040-CPT | Low | Blood Test Bacteria Infection, This Test Identifies Early Signs Of A Bacterial Growth And Thus Infection In A Blood Sample. Infections In The Blood (Bacteremia Or Sepsis) Can Cause Serious Illness. |
| 87046-CPT | Low | Stool Test For Bacteria, This Test Is Done To Look For The Presence Of Bacteria Which May Cause A Diarrheal Illness. A Specimen Of Fecal Material Is Submitted And The Types Of Bacteria Which Grow From That Specimen Are Analyzed. |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 87046. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 87046 fee schedule helps patients estimate costs and providers optimize billing for accurate reimbursements.
Factors that affect fee schedules
Medicare & Medicaid Rates
Government-set reimbursement amounts
Private Insurance Rates
Negotiated rates between providers and insurance companies
Geographic Location
Costs may be higher in urban areas.
Provider Type
Hospital providers may have different rates than private practice.
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