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81000

Urinalysis, by dip stick or tablet reagent for bilirubin, glucose, hemoglobin, ketones, leukocytes, nitrite, pH, protein, specific gravity, urobilinogen, any number of these constituents; non-automated, with microscopy

Pathology & Laboratory Urinalysis 0.57 Total RVUs
Quick Reference
Complete urinalysis with dipstick testing and microscopic examination, non-automated method

Relative Value Units (RVUs)

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Work RVU
0.10
Physician effort
PE RVU
0.45
Practice expense
MP RVU
0.02
Malpractice
Total RVU
0.57
Combined value
Dollar reimbursement rates vary by locality and payer. RVUs shown for relative comparison only.
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Clinical Information

When to Use

Complete urinalysis with dipstick testing and microscopic examination, non-automated method

Time Requirement
Manual testing - results typically available within hours

Common Scenarios

Routine urinalysis with microscopy
Urinary tract infection evaluation
Kidney disease screening
Pre-operative urinalysis
General health screening

Documentation Requirements

  • Order from physician required
  • Dipstick results documented
  • Microscopic findings documented
  • Test results reported

Coding Guidelines

Common Modifiers

26 Professional component only (interpretation)
TC Technical component only (performance)
91 Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test, same day

Bundling Rules

  • Includes dipstick and microscopy
  • Non-automated method
  • Complete urinalysis

Exclusions

  • Do not bill automated urinalysis (81001) on same day
  • Do not bill urinalysis without microscopy (81002) on same day

Coding Notes

Complete urinalysis with microscopy
Non-automated method
Common screening test

Clinical scenarios

Routine urinalysis with microscopy
Routine urinalysis with microscopy
When to use:Complete urinalysis with dipstick testing and microscopic examination, non-automated method
  • Order from physician required
  • Dipstick results documented
  • Microscopic findings documented
Urinary tract infection evaluation
Urinary tract infection evaluation
When to use:Complete urinalysis with dipstick testing and microscopic examination, non-automated method
  • Order from physician required
  • Dipstick results documented
  • Microscopic findings documented
Kidney disease screening
Kidney disease screening
When to use:Complete urinalysis with dipstick testing and microscopic examination, non-automated method
  • Order from physician required
  • Dipstick results documented
  • Microscopic findings documented

Who are you?

Code Details

Code 81000
Category Pathology & Laboratory
Subcategory Urinalysis
Total RVUs 0.57

Medicare Pricing

PFS
2025 National Rate
$0.00
Facility
$0.00
Non-Facility
$0.00
RVU Breakdown
Work RVU:0.00PE RVU:0.00MP RVU:0.00Total RVU:0.00CF:$32.3465Global Days:XXX
OPPS Details
Status:Q4Copayment:$0.00

National Limit: $4.02

Physician Fee Schedule: Medicare pays physicians based on Relative Value Units (RVUs) multiplied by a conversion factor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is CPT code 81000?

CPT 81000 is the billing code for "Urinalysis, by dip stick or tablet reagent for bilirubin, glucose, hemoglobin, ketones, leukocytes, nitrite, pH, protein, specific gravity, urobilinogen, any number of these constituents; non-automated, with microscopy". Complete urinalysis with dipstick testing and microscopic examination, non-automated method

What are the RVUs for CPT 81000?

CPT 81000 has a total RVU of 0.57, broken down as: Work RVU 0.10, Practice Expense RVU 0.45, and Malpractice RVU 0.02. RVUs (Relative Value Units) determine Medicare reimbursement rates.

What documentation is required for CPT 81000?

Key documentation requirements for CPT 81000 include: Order from physician required; Dipstick results documented; Microscopic findings documented; Test results reported. Missing or incomplete documentation is a leading cause of claim denials for this code.

Can CPT 81000 be billed with other codes?

Bundling considerations for CPT 81000: Includes dipstick and microscopy. Non-automated method Use an NCCI bundling checker to verify specific code combinations before billing.

What modifiers are commonly used with CPT 81000?

Common modifiers for CPT 81000 include: 26 (Professional component only (interpretation)), TC (Technical component only (performance)), 91 (Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test, same day). Modifiers indicate special circumstances and can affect reimbursement or prevent claim denials.

What is the time requirement for CPT 81000?

The typical time requirement for CPT 81000 is Manual testing - results typically available within hours. Time-based codes require documentation of the actual time spent providing the service.

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