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81015

Urinalysis, microscopic only

Pathology & Laboratory Urinalysis 0.50 Total RVUs
Quick Reference
Microscopic examination of urine sediment only, without dipstick testing

Relative Value Units (RVUs)

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Work RVU
0.08
Physician effort
PE RVU
0.40
Practice expense
MP RVU
0.02
Malpractice
Total RVU
0.50
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

Microscopic examination of urine sediment only, without dipstick testing

Time Requirement
Manual testing - results typically available within hours

Common Scenarios

Microscopic urinalysis only
Urine sediment examination
Microscopic evaluation of urine
Urine microscopy for cellular elements
Microscopic urinalysis for crystals or casts

Documentation Requirements

  • Order from physician required
  • 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

  • Microscopic examination only
  • No dipstick testing

Exclusions

  • Do not bill complete urinalysis codes (81000, 81001) on same day
  • Do not bill dipstick urinalysis codes

Coding Notes

Microscopic component only
Common for detailed urine examination
Manual testing

Clinical scenarios

Microscopic urinalysis only
Microscopic urinalysis only
When to use:Microscopic examination of urine sediment only, without dipstick testing
  • Order from physician required
  • Microscopic findings documented
  • Test results reported
Urine sediment examination
Urine sediment examination
When to use:Microscopic examination of urine sediment only, without dipstick testing
  • Order from physician required
  • Microscopic findings documented
  • Test results reported
Microscopic evaluation of urine
Microscopic evaluation of urine
When to use:Microscopic examination of urine sediment only, without dipstick testing
  • Order from physician required
  • Microscopic findings documented
  • Test results reported

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Code Details

Code 81015
Category Pathology & Laboratory
Subcategory Urinalysis
Total RVUs 0.50

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: $3.05

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 81015?

CPT 81015 is the billing code for "Urinalysis, microscopic only". Microscopic examination of urine sediment only, without dipstick testing

What are the RVUs for CPT 81015?

CPT 81015 has a total RVU of 0.50, broken down as: Work RVU 0.08, Practice Expense RVU 0.40, and Malpractice RVU 0.02. RVUs (Relative Value Units) determine Medicare reimbursement rates.

What documentation is required for CPT 81015?

Key documentation requirements for CPT 81015 include: Order from physician required; Microscopic findings documented; Test results reported. Missing or incomplete documentation is a leading cause of claim denials for this code.

Can CPT 81015 be billed with other codes?

Bundling considerations for CPT 81015: Microscopic examination only. No dipstick testing Use an NCCI bundling checker to verify specific code combinations before billing.

What modifiers are commonly used with CPT 81015?

Common modifiers for CPT 81015 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 81015?

The typical time requirement for CPT 81015 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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