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See a sample rate comparisonCPT 87081 Fee Schedule
Last Verified: September 2026
Healthcare providers use this code to document and receive reimbursement for visits that address moderate-level medical decision-making, often including multiple diagnoses or prescription management.
Bacterial Infection Test, Several Tests Can Screen For Various Types Of Bacterial Infections. A Sample Of Blood Or Other Body Fluid Is Taken To See If Bacteria Are Able To Grow In It.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Pathology and Laboratory Procedures Microbiology Procedures |
| Common Place of Service | 81 - Independent Laboratory 11 - Office |
| Common Modifiers | None 26 - Professional component 59 - Distinct Procedural Service |
| Complexity Level | Low |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | View Medicare rates for 87081 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | View Medicaid rates for 87081 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 87081 by major payers:
$6.39
$4.72
$8.30
$9.64
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CPT 87081
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
Christine Munson
Neuroscience Group Of Northeast Wisconsin, S.C.
$16.94Published rateThe Neuroscience Group Of Northeast Wisconsin Sc, Neuroscience Group
Neuroscience Group Of Northeast Wisconsin, S.C.
$16.32Published rateDavid Campola
Slocum Dickson Medical Group PLLC
$7.61Published rateTimothy Kendrick
Slocum Dickson Medical Group PLLC
$5.51Published rateLisa Flaherty
Pinellas Medical Associates, PA
$2.77Published rate
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 87081 vs. Other Microbiology Procedures Codes
The CPT 87081 code is part of the Pathology and Laboratory Procedures services used for Microbiology Procedures. It represents a moderate-complexity encounter and is one of several codes that vary based on time spent, level of medical decision-making, and documentation requirements.
The CPT 87081 code involves more provider time and moderate medical decision-making, unlike lower-level codes that require less time and simpler assessments. It typically includes multiple diagnoses, medication management, or test interpretation, leading to higher reimbursement and more detailed documentation requirements.
| Code | Complexity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 87073-CPT | Low | Test For Bacteria Infection, A Sample Of Body Fluid Or Tissue Is Tested For Infectious Bacteria. One Or More Additional Tests Confirm The Result Identify The Bacteria And Estimate How Many Are Present. |
| 87075-CPT | Low | Test For Bacteria Infection, A Sample Of Body Fluid Or Tissue Is Tested For Infectious Bacteria. One Or More Additional Tests Confirm The Result Identify The Bacteria And Estimate How Many Are Present. |
| 87076-CPT | Low | Test For Bacteria Infection, A Sample Of Body Fluid Or Tissue Is Tested For Infectious Bacteria. One Or More Additional Tests Confirm The Result Identify The Bacteria And Estimate How Many Are Present. |
| 87081-CPT | Low | Bacterial Infection Test, Several Tests Can Screen For Various Types Of Bacterial Infections. A Sample Of Blood Or Other Body Fluid Is Taken To See If Bacteria Are Able To Grow In It. |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 87081. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 87081 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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