2025 CPT code 81020
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Laboratory - Urinalysis Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Procedures Feed
Microscopic examination of two or three urine specimens collected sequentially to differentiate urinary tract infection sources.
Modifiers may apply depending on the specific circumstances of service (e.g., 90 for outside laboratory). Consult your payer's guidelines.
The medical necessity for a two- or three-glass urine test is established when there is a clinical suspicion of infection or inflammation within the male urinary tract.This is commonly seen in patients with symptoms suggestive of prostatitis, urethritis, or other urinary tract infections. The test is medically necessary to differentiate the location of infection and guide appropriate treatment.
The clinical responsibility lies with the laboratory analyst who receives, processes, and analyzes the urine specimens.The physician is responsible for ordering the test and interpreting the results to diagnose and manage the patient's condition.
In simple words: This lab test checks urine samples collected in separate containers during one urination to find out where a urinary tract infection might be.It helps doctors figure out if the infection is in the prostate, urethra, or bladder.
This CPT code encompasses the microscopic examination of two or three sequentially collected urine specimens.The procedure aims to identify and locate the source of infection or inflammation within the male urinary tract, often in cases of suspected prostatitis.The collection process involves instructing the patient to void into separate containers, typically at the start, mid-stream, and end of urination.The laboratory analyst then microscopically examines each specimen, reporting on the cellular and bacterial components found in each.Centrifugation may be employed to concentrate the heavier particles for better visualization.This test helps differentiate between prostatitis, urethritis, and other urinary tract infections by identifying the location of the infection within the urinary tract.
Example 1: A 50-year-old male presents with symptoms suggestive of prostatitis (painful urination, pelvic pain).The physician orders a three-glass urine test (81020) to differentiate between prostatitis, urethritis, and bladder infection.The results show increased white blood cells in the third glass, indicating prostatic involvement., A 62-year-old male with suspected chronic prostatitis undergoes a two-glass urine test (81020).The results reveal a significant difference in white blood cell counts between the first and second glasses. The physician uses this information, along with other clinical findings, to guide treatment decisions., A 45-year-old male complains of urethral discharge and dysuria. The physician orders a two-glass urine test to determine if the source of the infection is urethral or prostatic in origin. The results demonstrate increased white blood cells predominantly in the first glass, consistent with urethritis.
** This test is primarily used in men, but it may be applicable in women with specific clinical indications. Always refer to the complete CPT codebook for comprehensive guidelines and any updates.
- Revenue Code: T1C (LAB TESTS - URINALYSIS)
- RVU: The relative value units (RVUs) for this code vary based on geographic location, payer, and other factors. Consult your specific payer's fee schedule for accurate RVU values.
- Global Days: This is a laboratory test; there is no global period.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: No Technical Component (TC) modifier applies to this code.
- Fee Schedule: The historical fee schedule is not available in the provided text; please refer to publicly available fee schedules from the relevant payer. Note that the reimbursement amount for this procedure changes based on the payer and location.
- Specialties:Urology, Pathology, Laboratory Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient), Laboratory