Rate Benchmarking
Compare your rates with similar providers.
Select a published rate, define comparable providers, and see where that rate falls in your market.
See a sample rate comparisonCPT 87278 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.
Infectious Agent Antigen Detec, Infectious Agent Antigen Detection By Direct Fluorescentantibody Technique Legionella Pneumophila Infectious Agent Antigen Detection By Direct Fluorescent
| 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 87278 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | View Medicaid rates for 87278 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 87278 by major payers:
$14.32
$9.84
$15.62
$23.09
Compare published rates across providers.
Choose a payer to see a sample of rates for CPT 87278.
CPT 87278
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
Restorative Health Rehabilitation Inc
$55.00Published rateMethodist Hospitals Of Dallas, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center
Methodist Hospitals Of Dallas
$15.60Published rateBaycare Home Care, Inc.
Baycare Home Care Inc
$12.11Published rateChristopher Raio
Mercy Medical Center
$8.42Published rateAaron Askew
The Orthopedic And Neurosurgical Center Of The Cascades
$6.55Published rate
Get a free rate benchmark for your specialty.
Choose your state and specialty to build a report from payer-published rates.
Use market rates to prepare your payer proposal.
Payer Contract Negotiation
Draft a fee schedule renegotiation letter.
Use your fee schedule and market benchmarks to set target rates and draft a letter for your payer.
See a sample payer proposalCPT 87278 vs. Other Microbiology Procedures Codes
The CPT 87278 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 87278 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 87276-CPT | Low | Test For Flu Virus, Influenza (Flu) Is A Viral Infection Of The Lungs That Causes Fever Cough And Muscle Aches. The Test Checks A Sample From The Nose Or Throat For Influenza A B Or Both Types. |
| 87278-CPT | Low | Infectious Agent Antigen Detec, Infectious Agent Antigen Detection By Direct Fluorescentantibody Technique Legionella Pneumophila Infectious Agent Antigen Detection By Direct Fluorescent |
| 87279-CPT | Low | Infect Agnt Antign Detect By Immunofluoresc Techniq; Par, Infectious Agent Antigen Detection By Immunofluorescent Technique; Par |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 87278. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 87278 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.
FREE SAMPLE MARKET COMPARISON
Let's review your payer contracts side-by-side with the market.
Bring your top codes (like CPT 87278) and we'll show you how you compare in 15 minutes or less.