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See a sample rate comparisonCPT 87181 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.
Test Antibiotic Effectiveness, Lab Test To Determine How Responsive A Bacteria Is To Various Antibiotics. The Result Identifies The Antibiotic Likely To Be Most Effective In Treating The Infection.
| 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 91 - Repeat Lab Test |
| Complexity Level | Low |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | View Medicare rates for 87181 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | View Medicaid rates for 87181 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 87181 by major payers:
$4.40
$3.24
$5.06
$7.35
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CPT 87181
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
$8.78Published rateColumbia Plaza Medical Center Of Fort Worth Subsidiary Lp, Medical City Fort Worth
Columbia Plaza Medical Center Of Fort Worth Subsidiary Lp
$4.75Published rateSpecialists Hospital Shreveport, LLC
Specialists Hospital Shreveport, L.L.C.
$4.28Published rateEmerus Bhs Sa Thousand Oaks, LLC, Baptist Neighborhood Hospital
Emerus Bhs Sa Thousand Oaks LLC
$3.00Published rateHospital Service District Of The Parish Of St. Bernard, State Of Louis, St. Bernard Parish Hospital
Hospital Service District Of The Parish Of St Bernard State Of Louis
$2.00Published rate
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 87181 vs. Other Microbiology Procedures Codes
The CPT 87181 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 87181 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 87181-CPT | Low | Test Antibiotic Effectiveness, Lab Test To Determine How Responsive A Bacteria Is To Various Antibiotics. The Result Identifies The Antibiotic Likely To Be Most Effective In Treating The Infection. |
| 87184-CPT | Low | Test Antibiotic Effectiveness, Lab Test To Determine How Responsive A Bacteria Is To Various Antibiotics. The Result Identifies The Antibiotic Likely To Be Most Effective In Treating The Infection. |
| 87185-CPT | Low | Test Antibiotic Effectiveness, Lab Test To Determine How Responsive A Bacteria Is To Various Antibiotics. The Result Identifies The Antibiotic Likely To Be Most Effective In Treating The Infection. |
| 87186-CPT | Low | Test Antibiotic Effectiveness, Lab Test To Determine How Responsive A Bacteria Is To Various Antibiotics. The Result Identifies The Antibiotic Likely To Be Most Effective In Treating The Infection. |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 87181. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 87181 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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