Lab · CPT 81001

What is CPT code 81001?

Urinalysis with microscope review.

By Justin Feldstein · Reviewed 2026-06-15

What it covers

A urine test with two parts: a machine reads a dipstick for things like protein, sugar, blood, and signs of infection, and then a person examines the urine under a microscope for cells, bacteria, and crystals. This code is the version that includes both the automated reading and the microscope look.

When you'd see it

Common when a urinary tract infection, kidney issue, or unexplained symptom is being checked, or as part of a general workup. No needle is involved — it's a urine sample.

Roughly what it costs

$5–$50 commonly billed

A ballpark on the billed amount. After insurance or a negotiated rate, what you owe is often far lower. Always compare against your Explanation of Benefits (EOB).

What's usually billed with it

It stands on its own from a urine sample, so a blood-draw charge (36415) next to it should relate to other tests, not this one.

81001 vs 81003

The 81003 version is the dipstick reading alone with no microscope step, so it should cost less — worth checking which one you actually received. See 81003 (automated urinalysis without microscopy).

What to watch for

This code includes a microscope review. If your sample was just dipped on a strip with no microscope step, ask whether the lower-cost dipstick-only version was the right charge.

Specific things to question

• Billed when only the quick dipstick was run and no one examined the sample under a microscope (that would be a lower code).
• A blood-draw charge (36415) attached to it, even though urinalysis needs no blood draw.
• Billed alongside a separate urine culture without a clear reason both were needed.

How to check this charge on your own bill

Find 81001 on your itemized bill and match it against your EOB. Confirm it appears only once, that any bundled services aren't also billed separately, and that the amount matches what your insurer says it allowed. If something doesn't line up, that's a fair question for the billing office.