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See a sample rate comparisonHealthcare 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.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Pathology and Laboratory Procedures Microbiology Procedures |
| Common Place of Service | 11 - Office 23 - Emergency Room |
| Common Modifiers | None 26 - Professional component QW - CLIA Waived Tests |
| Complexity Level | Low |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | View Medicare rates for 87280 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | View Medicaid rates for 87280 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 87280 by major payers:

$12.61

$9.12

$13.73

$19.46
Choose a payer to see a sample of rates for CPT 87280.
Merrimack Valley Pediatric Associates, Inc.
Mercy Medical Center
Lake Surgical Hospital Slidell, LLC Dba Southern Surgical Hospital
St Francis Hospital
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Rate Benchmarking
Select a published rate, define comparable providers, and see where that rate falls in your market.
See a sample rate comparisonPayer Contract Negotiation
Use your fee schedule and market benchmarks to set target rates and draft a letter for your payer.
See a sample payer proposalCPT 87280 vs. Other Microbiology Procedures Codes
The CPT 87280 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 87280 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 87279-CPT | Low | Infect Agnt Antign Detect By Immunofluoresc Techniq; Par, Infectious Agent Antigen Detection By Immunofluorescent Technique; Par |
| 87280-CPT | Low | Infectious Agent Antigen Detec, Infectious Agent Antigen Detection By Direct Fluorescentantibody Technique Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infectious Agent Antigen Detection By Direct Fluorescent |
| 87281-CPT | Low | Test For Rsv Infection, Test For Respiratory Syncytial Virus (Rsv) An Infection That Can Be Severe For Infants And Young Children. |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 87280. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 87280 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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