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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 | 81 - Independent Laboratory 22 - On Campus Outpatient Hospital |
| Common Modifiers | 90 - Reference Laboratory 26 - Professional component |
| Complexity Level | Low |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | $42.84 national lab fee schedule rate (2026) · View Medicare rates for 87517 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | $39.415 median of the 8 states in the free preview · View Medicaid rates for 87517 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 87517 by major payers:

$40.98

$31.04

$50.85

$62.37
Choose a payer to see a sample of rates for CPT 87517.
Hospital Service District #2 Of Lasalle Parish, Lasalle General Hospital
Hospital Service District 2 Of Lasalle Parish
Opelousas General Hospital Authority
Hospital Service District 1 Of East Baton Rouge Parish, Lane Regional Medical Center
St Helena Parish Hospital, St Helena Parish Hospital
St Helena Parish Hospital
St. Davids Healthcare Partnership, L.P., LLP, Heart Hospital Of Austin
Lone Star Circle Of Care
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Rate Benchmarking
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 87517 vs. Other Microbiology Procedures Codes
The CPT 87517 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 87517 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 87516-CPT | Low | Test For Chronic Hepatitis B, This Test Examines Genetic Material Of The Hepatitis B Virus To Find Out Whether The Infection Is Chronic. Hepatitis B Can Damage The Liver. Testing Also Monitors The Response To Treatment. |
| 87517-CPT | Low | Test For Chronic Hepatitis B, This Test Examines Genetic Material Of The Hepatitis B Virus To Find Out Whether The Infection Is Chronic. Hepatitis B Can Damage The Liver. Testing Also Monitors The Response To Treatment. |
| 87520-CPT | Low | Test For Hepatitis C Virus, Hepatitis C Is A Virus That Can Damage The Liver. This Blood Test Detects Hepatitis C Genetic Material. The Test Is Used To Verify A Current Infection Or Monitor Response To Treatment Of A Chronic Infection. |
| 87521-CPT | Low | Test For Hepatitis C Virus, Hepatitis C Is A Virus That Can Damage The Liver. This Blood Test Detects Hepatitis C Genetic Material. The Test Is Used To Verify A Current Infection Or Monitor Response To Treatment Of A Chronic Infection. |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 87517. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 87517 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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