Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
CareerCenter
Medical Coding Job Board
Log in Register free account

Need help choosing the right code?

Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.

Try CasePilot

Official Description

Urinalysis; qualitative or semiquantitative, except immunoassays

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 81005 refers to a urinalysis that is qualitative or semiquantitative in nature, excluding immunoassays. This laboratory test is essential for detecting abnormal cellular material or substances present in urine. The qualitative or semiquantitative urinalysis serves as a routine screening tool, allowing healthcare professionals to identify various substances such as protein, glucose, bacteria, and red or white blood cells that may indicate underlying health issues requiring further investigation. Additionally, this test can be utilized to monitor organ function and assess the response to treatment in patients who have pre-existing conditions. The urinalysis process typically involves a visual examination, chemical analysis, and may also include a microscopic study of the urine sample. To collect the urine sample, methods such as clean catch, mid-stream void, or catheterization are employed. The initial visual assessment focuses on the urine's color, odor, and clarity. Following this, the urine is applied to a plastic test strip that contains several reagent areas, each impregnated with specific chemicals. The resulting color changes in these reagent areas are then compared to a standardized chart to evaluate parameters such as pH level, specific gravity, and the presence or absence of substances like glucose, bilirubin, ketones, blood, protein, urobilinogen, nitrate, leukocytes, and ascorbic acid. In some cases, the urine sample may be centrifuged to separate the fluid from the sediment, which is then examined microscopically for the presence of crystals, casts, squamous cells, red or white blood cells, epithelial cells, bacteria, or yeast cells. The findings from this examination are meticulously counted and reported, providing valuable insights into the patient's health status.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The urinalysis performed under CPT® Code 81005 is indicated for various clinical scenarios, including but not limited to the following:

  • Routine Screening This test is commonly used as a routine screening tool to detect the presence of substances in urine that may indicate health issues.
  • Monitoring Organ Function It is utilized to monitor the function of organs, particularly the kidneys, and assess their response to treatment in patients with known diseases.
  • Detection of Abnormalities The test helps in identifying abnormal cellular material or substances such as protein, glucose, bacteria, and red or white blood cells that may require further evaluation.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting a urinalysis under CPT® Code 81005 involves several detailed steps:

  • Sample Collection A urine sample is obtained using one of several methods, including clean catch, mid-stream void, or catheterization. This ensures that the sample is as uncontaminated as possible for accurate testing.
  • Visual Examination The collected urine sample undergoes a visual examination where its color, odor, and clarity are assessed. This initial observation can provide immediate insights into potential abnormalities.
  • Chemical Analysis Following the visual assessment, drops of urine are applied to a plastic test strip that contains multiple reagent areas. Each area is impregnated with specific chemicals that react with various substances in the urine. The color changes that occur are then compared to a standardized chart to determine the pH level, specific gravity, and the presence or absence of substances such as glucose, bilirubin, ketones, blood, protein, urobilinogen, nitrate, leukocytes, and ascorbic acid.
  • Microscopic Examination In some cases, the urine sample may be centrifuged to separate the fluid from the sediment. The sediment is then examined microscopically for the presence of crystals, casts, squamous cells, red or white blood cells, epithelial cells, bacteria, or yeast cells. Each type of cell present is counted and reported, providing a comprehensive analysis of the urine sample.

3. Post-Procedure

After the urinalysis is completed, the results are compiled and reported to the healthcare provider. The findings can guide further diagnostic testing or treatment decisions based on the substances detected in the urine. Patients may not require any specific post-procedure care, but it is essential for healthcare providers to discuss the results with patients and determine if any follow-up testing or interventions are necessary based on the findings of the urinalysis.

Short Descr URINALYSIS
Medium Descr URINALYSIS QUAL/SEMIQUANT EXCEPT IMMUNOASSAYS
Long Descr Urinalysis; qualitative or semiquantitative, except immunoassays
Status Code Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies)
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 9 - Not Applicable
Multiple Procedures (51) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Co-Surgeons (62) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Team Surgery (66) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
CLIA Waived (QW) No
APC Status Indicator Conditionally packaged laboratory tests
Type of Service (TOS) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T1C - Lab tests - urinalysis
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 200 - Nonoperative urinary system measurements
90 Reference (outside) laboratory: when laboratory procedures are performed by a party other than the treating or reporting physician or other qualified health care professional, the procedure may be identified by adding modifier 90 to the usual procedure number.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
91 Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient.
95 Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system.
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
QW Clia waived test
ST Related to trauma or injury
Date
Action
Notes
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"