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 87521 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 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.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Pathology and Laboratory Procedures Microbiology Procedures |
| Common Place of Service | 81 - Independent Laboratory 11 - Office |
| Common Modifiers | 59 - Distinct Procedural Service 91 - Repeat Lab Test |
| Complexity Level | Low |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | $35.09 national lab fee schedule rate (2026) · View Medicare rates for 87521 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | $32.28 median of the 8 states in the free preview · View Medicaid rates for 87521 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 87521 by major payers:
$33.47
$25.45
$37.97
$50.97
Compare published rates across providers.
Choose a payer to see a sample of rates for CPT 87521.
CPT 87521
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
Monroe Surgical Hospital, LLC
Monroe Surgical Hospital
$51.25Published rateSurgical Specialty Center Of Baton Rouge, LLC, Surgical Specialty Center Of Baton Rouge
Surgical Specialty Center Of Baton Rouge, LLC
$35.09Published rateChca Conroe Lp, Conroe Regional Medical Center
Chca Conroe Lp
$35.09Published rateMatagorda County Hospital District, Matagorda Regional Medical Center
Matagorda County Hospital District
$35.09Published rateSt Davids Healthcare Partnership Lp LLP, Round Rock Medical Center
Lone Star Circle Of Care
$14.73Published 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 87521 vs. Other Microbiology Procedures Codes
The CPT 87521 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 87521 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| 87522-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. |
| 87523-CPT | Low | Test For Hepatitis D Virus, Hepatitis D Is A Virus That Can Damage The Liver. Testing Generally Is Limited To Individuals Who Carry Hepatitis B Or Those With Chronic Hepatitis B That Develop Complications. |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 87521. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 87521 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 87521) and we'll show you how you compare in 15 minutes or less.