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See a sample rate comparisonCPT 87118 Fee Schedule
Last Verified: October 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.
Mycobacteria Culture, This Test Verifies A Bacterial (Mycobacteria) Infection. A Sample Of Body Fluid Or Tissue Is Tested To See If The Bacteria Grows.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Pathology and Laboratory Procedures Microbiology Procedures |
| Common Place of Service | 81 - Independent Laboratory 21 - Inpatient Hospital |
| Common Modifiers | None 26 - Professional component 90 - Reference Laboratory |
| Complexity Level | Low |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | View Medicare rates for 87118 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | View Medicaid rates for 87118 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 87118 by major payers:
$13.58
$9.05
$15.31
$21.41
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CPT 87118
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
Harris County Hospital District, Harris Health
$30.00Published rateScott & White Memorial Hospital, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple
Scott & White Memorial Hospital
$14.60Published rateMethodist Hospitals Of Dallas, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center
Methodist Hospitals Of Dallas
$14.60Published rateWest Carroll Health Systems LLC, West Carroll Memorial Hospital
West Carroll Health Systems L.L.C.
$9.59Published rateDonna Medical Clonic
Donna Medical Clinic, P.A.
$6.13Published rate
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Payer Contract Negotiation
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 87118 vs. Other Microbiology Procedures Codes
The CPT 87118 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 87118 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 87103-CPT | Low | Fungal Culture, A Sample Of Skin Hair Nail Blood Urine Stool Or Other Body Fluid Is Treated So That If Mold Or Yeast Spores Are Present They Will Grow (Multiply). |
| 87110-CPT | Low | Chlamydia Bacterial Culture, This Analysis Checks For Infection With Chlamydia Bacteria. A Sample From The Cervix Urinary Tract Rectum Eye Or Nose Is Used To Determine If Chlamydia Bacteria Grow From It. Chlamydia Can Cause Infections In The Eyes Reproductive System Lungs An Airways. |
| 87116-CPT | Low | Test To Confirm Tuberculosis, This Test Verifies A Tuberculosis (Tb) Infection. Usually A Sample Of Mucus From A Cough Is Tested. The Sample Is Examined Under A Microscope And Some Is Placed Into A Substance That Encourages Tb Bacteria To Multiply. |
| 87118-CPT | Low | Mycobacteria Culture, This Test Verifies A Bacterial (Mycobacteria) Infection. A Sample Of Body Fluid Or Tissue Is Tested To See If The Bacteria Grows. |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 87118. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 87118 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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