Lab & pathology
81002 — Urinalysis, by dip stick or tablet reagent, non-automated, without microscopy
A simple urine test where a chemical dipstick is dipped into a urine sample and read visually using a color chart to check for things like protein, glucose, blood, and infection indicators.
- Typical setting: Hospital lab, reference lab, doctor's office
- National avg charge (illustrative): $3–$6 Medicare allowed (CMS CLFS); $5–$25 commercial; varies by region
- Most-disputed reason: Billing 81002 (non-automated) when an automated analyzer (81003) was actually used — the method must match the code
What it means
What 81002 actually means
A simple urine test where a chemical dipstick is dipped into a urine sample and read visually using a color chart to check for things like protein, glucose, blood, and infection indicators. No microscope is used for this version of the test.
Common errors with this code
What goes wrong on real bills.
Most bills that look correct still contain at least one of these issues. Up to 49% of medical bills contain errors (CFPB).
- Billing 81002 (non-automated) when an automated analyzer (81003) was actually used — the method must match the code
- Billing 81002 with 81001 (automated with microscopy) on the same date without documentation of separate medical necessity
- Using 81002 in settings requiring QW modifier (CLIA-waived test in office setting) without appending the modifier, causing denials
If you see 81002 on your bill
Three steps before paying.
1. Get the itemized bill. If your statement only shows a summary, request the CPT-level itemized bill before paying. Generate the request language →
2. Cross-check against the EOB. Compare what your insurer's Explanation of Benefits says you owe versus what the hospital is asking. They disagree more often than people think. Read the bill-vs-EOB guide →
3. Run a free Bill Scan. Upload the bill (and EOB if you have it) and BillBusted will flag the most likely issues with this specific code in your specific state. Run free scan →
Related codes
Other codes in this category.
People who land on 81002 often also see these adjacent codes on the same bill.
CPT
80050 — General health panel; includes CBC w/diff, CMP, TSH
Lab — check for unbundling and duplicate billing.
CPT
80051 — Electrolyte panel; CO2, chloride, potassium, sodium
Lab — check for unbundling and duplicate billing.
CPT
80053 — Comprehensive metabolic panel
If individual blood tests are also on your bill, you may have an unbundling error.
CPT
80055 — Obstetric panel; CBC w/diff, HBsAg, rubella Ab, syphilis, RBC Ab screen, ABO/Rh
Lab — check for unbundling and duplicate billing.
CPT
80061 — Lipid panel (cholesterol)
If you see HDL or LDL listed separately next to 80061, that's unbundling.
Related BillBusted guides
Plain-English reads if you see 81002 on a bill.
81002 FAQ
Plain-English answers.
What does 81002 usually cost?
$3–$6 Medicare allowed (CMS CLFS); $5–$25 commercial; varies by region. Costs vary by region, payer contract, and whether the service was performed in a hospital outpatient department (which adds a facility fee) versus a free-standing clinic.
What's the most common billing error on 81002?
Billing 81002 (non-automated) when an automated analyzer (81003) was actually used — the method must match the code
What should I do if I see 81002 on my bill?
Request the itemized bill and the matching EOB from your insurer. Compare the units/quantity billed against what you actually received. Run a free BillBusted scan to flag the most likely errors specific to 81002 before paying.
Don't pay 81002 blindly.
The free scan tells you in under 60 seconds whether this charge looks reasonable for your situation.