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Official Description

Volume measurement for timed collection, each

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 81050 refers to a procedure that involves the volumetric measurement of urine collected over a specified time frame. This procedure is essential for assessing various biomarkers and understanding fluctuations in urine concentration throughout the collection period. The process begins with the patient discarding the initial urine sample, which is crucial for ensuring that the subsequent measurements reflect only the urine produced during the designated collection time. After discarding the first sample, the patient notes the start time and proceeds to collect all subsequent urine in a designated container. This collection continues until the end of the specified time period, at which point the patient records the end time. The pooled urine specimen is then sent to a laboratory for further processing and analysis, allowing healthcare providers to evaluate the patient's renal function and other health indicators based on the volume and concentration of the collected urine. This procedure is particularly useful in diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions that may affect kidney function or fluid balance in the body.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 81050 is indicated for various clinical scenarios where monitoring urine volume is essential. The following conditions may warrant this volumetric measurement:

  • Assessment of Renal Function This procedure helps evaluate kidney performance by measuring urine output over time, which can indicate how well the kidneys are filtering waste.
  • Monitoring Fluid Balance It is used to assess fluid intake and output, which is critical in managing patients with conditions such as heart failure or renal impairment.
  • Diagnosis of Urinary Disorders The volumetric measurement can assist in diagnosing conditions that affect urine production, such as diabetes insipidus or other endocrine disorders.
  • Evaluation of Biomarkers This procedure is necessary for reporting specific biomarkers that may vary in concentration over time, aiding in the diagnosis of various medical conditions.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 81050 involves several key steps to ensure accurate volumetric measurement of urine. The first step is to instruct the patient to discard the first urine sample upon waking or at the start of the collection period. This initial sample is not included in the final measurement, as it may not accurately represent the urine produced during the collection time. After discarding the first sample, the patient must note the exact time this occurs, marking the beginning of the timed collection. Following this, the patient collects all subsequent urine in a designated collection container for the specified duration, which may vary depending on the clinical indication. It is crucial that the patient collects every drop of urine during this period to ensure the accuracy of the volume measurement. Once the collection period is complete, the patient notes the end time, which is essential for calculating the total volume of urine collected. Finally, the pooled urine specimen is sent to the laboratory for processing and analysis, where it will be evaluated for various biomarkers and other relevant parameters.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the urine collection procedure, the patient should ensure that the collected specimen is properly sealed and labeled before sending it to the laboratory. It is important to follow any specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider regarding the timing of the specimen submission to ensure optimal analysis. Patients may be advised to maintain normal hydration levels unless otherwise directed, as this can affect the results of the urine analysis. Additionally, healthcare providers may schedule follow-up appointments to discuss the results of the urine analysis and any further diagnostic steps or treatments that may be necessary based on the findings.

Short Descr URINALYSIS VOLUME MEASURE
Medium Descr VOLUME MEASUREMENT TIMED COLLECTION EACH
Long Descr Volume measurement for timed collection, each
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.
Q3 Live kidney donor surgery and related services
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.
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.
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
26 Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
X5 Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
1993-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1993.
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