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CPT 87206 Fee Schedule

Last Verified: December 2025

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.

Smear, Primary Source With Interpretation; Fluorescent And/Or Acid Fast Stain For Bacteria, Fungi, Parasites, Viruses Or Cell Types
Key FactDetail
Service Type

Pathology and Laboratory Procedures

Microbiology Procedures

Common Place of Service

81 - Independent Laboratory

21 - Inpatient Hospital

Common Modifiers

None

26 - Professional component

59 - Distinct Procedural Service

Complexity LevelLow

National average reimbursement for CPT 87206 by major payers:

bcbs

$5.52

uhc

$3.87

aetna

$6.58

cigna

$8.05

Preview provider-level rates for...
For billing codeCPT 87206
PayerCodeRateNPITax IDStateSpecialty

Select a payer to view fee schedule data

Choose a payer from the options above to see rates for CPT 87206

United
87206$4.841821760430 - PRISMA HEALTH-UPSTATE811723202 - PRISMA HEALTH - UPSTATESCGeneral Acute Care Hospital (282N00000X)
United
87206$4.841720747496 - PRISMA HEALTH-UPSTATE, PRISMA HEALTH TRANSPLANT CENTER811723202 - PRISMA HEALTH - UPSTATESCGeneral Acute Care Hospital (282N00000X)
United
87206$3.151427387547 - ASHLEY BALAKER953856252 - (CA) HEAD AND NECK ASSOCIATES OF ORANGE COUNTY, INC.CAOtolaryngology Physician (207Y00000X)
United
87206$3.151386648715 - SUNIL SAINI953856252 - (CA) HEAD AND NECK ASSOCIATES OF ORANGE COUNTY, INC.CASpecialist (174400000X)
United
87206$3.151861528663 - QUANG LUU953856252 - (CA) HEAD AND NECK ASSOCIATES OF ORANGE COUNTY, INC.CAOtolaryngology Physician (207Y00000X)
United
87206$2.751831441641 - HARDIK THAKKAR593238640 - H LEE MOFFITT CANCER CTR & RES INST LIFE TIME CANCER SCRN CTR INCILPhysician Assistant (363A00000X)
United
87206$3.231477673630 - AMALIA STEFANOU593238640 - H LEE MOFFITT CANCER CTR & RES INST LIFE TIME CANCER SCRN CTR INCMIColon & Rectal Surgery Physician (208C00000X)
United
87206$3.231386823680 - LISA BETHEA593238640 - H LEE MOFFITT CANCER CTR & RES INST LIFE TIME CANCER SCRN CTR INCFLAnesthesiology Physician (207L00000X)
United
87206$4.841417505694 - PRISMA HEALTH-UPSTATE, PRISMA HEALTH HILLCREST HOSPITAL VASCULAR LAB811723202 - PRISMA HEALTH - UPSTATESCGeneral Acute Care Hospital (282N00000X)
United
87206$4.841255367637 - OCONEE MEDICAL CENTER811723202 - PRISMA HEALTH - UPSTATESCGeneral Acute Care Hospital (282N00000X)
United
87206$5.381952538431 - METHODIST MCKINNEY HOSPITAL LLC208847736 - (TX) METHODIST MCKINNEY HOSPITAL LLCTXGeneral Acute Care Hospital (282N00000X)
United
87206$5.381205189172 - EMERUS BHS SA THOUSAND OAKS, LLC, BAPTIST NEIGHBORHOOD HOSPITAL OVERLOOK452497248 - (TX) EMERUS BHS SA THOUSAND OAKS LLCTXGeneral Acute Care Hospital (282N00000X)
United
87206$2.751376510214 - ALLEN CAMPBELL593238640 - H LEE MOFFITT CANCER CTR & RES INST LIFE TIME CANCER SCRN CTR INCMICertified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (367500000X)
United
87206$4.841841746948 - PRISMA HEALTH-UPSTATE, PRISMA HEALTH CANCER INST-GREER811723202 - PRISMA HEALTH - UPSTATESCGeneral Acute Care Hospital (282N00000X)
United
87206$2.751598308454 - KELLY STEVENS593238640 - H LEE MOFFITT CANCER CTR & RES INST LIFE TIME CANCER SCRN CTR INCFLFamily Nurse Practitioner (363LF0000X)
United
99202$100.0012345678901234567890CACardiologist
United
99202$100.0012345678901234567890CACardiologist
United
99202$100.0012345678901234567890CACardiologist
United
99202$100.0012345678901234567890CACardiologist
United
99202$100.0012345678901234567890CACardiologist
United
99202$100.0012345678901234567890CACardiologist
United
99202$100.0012345678901234567890CACardiologist
United
99202$100.0012345678901234567890CACardiologist
United
99202$100.0012345678901234567890CACardiologist
United
99202$100.0012345678901234567890CACardiologist

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CPT 87206 vs. Other Microbiology Procedures Codes

The CPT 87206 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 87206 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.

CodeComplexityDescription
87197-CPTLowSerum Bactericidal Titer (Schlichter Test)
87205-CPTLowSmear, Primary Source, With Interpretation;Gram Or Giemsa Stain For Bacteria,Fungi, Or Cell Types
87206-CPTLowSmear, Primary Source With Interpretation; Fluorescent And/Or Acid Fast Stain For Bacteria, Fungi, Parasites, Viruses Or Cell Types
87207-CPTLowSpecial Stain For Inclusion Bodies Or Parasites (Eg Malaria Coccidia Microsporidia Trypanosomes Herpes Viruses) (Desc Rev 01/01/03) Galovirus Herpes Viruses)

What is a fee schedule?

A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 87206. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.

Understanding the 87206 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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