How To Use CPT Code 81020

CPT 81020 describes the procedure for a two or three glass test in urinalysis. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 81020?

CPT 81020 can be used to describe the procedure for a two or three glass test in urinalysis. This code is used when a lab analyst receives urine specimen containers labeled glass 1, glass 2, and sometimes glass 3, and examines these collections microscopically to report the cellular and bacterial entities present.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 81020 is: ‘Urinalysis; two or three glass test.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst receives urine specimen containers labeled glass 1, glass 2, and sometimes glass 3.
2. The lab analyst examines each urine specimen received and performs a microscopic examination, typically after centrifuging each urine specimen.
3. The lab analyst reports on the cellular, bacterial, and other entities observed in the urine specimens.

4. Qualifying circumstances

The two or three glass test is typically performed on male patients with possible prostatitis. The patient collects the urine specimens according to the clinician’s instructions, which may involve starting the urine stream into the first container and continuing the collection into the second container without interruption. In some cases, a three glass urine test may be performed, with separate containers for urine collected from the beginning, middle, and end of the collection. The purpose of the test is to determine the location of an infection in the male urinary tract.

5. When to use CPT code 81020

CPT code 81020 should be used when a lab analyst performs a two or three glass test in urinalysis. It is appropriate to bill this code when examining urine specimens collected by male patients with possible prostatitis or other urinary tract infections.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 81020, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Details of the urine specimens received, including the labeling of glass 1, glass 2, and glass 3 (if applicable)
• Microscopic examination findings, including the cellular, bacterial, and other entities observed
• Any additional relevant information or observations

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 81020, ensure that the procedure is performed by a lab analyst and that the two or three glass test is conducted. This code should not be reported with other codes for urinalysis procedures. If additional tests or cultures are required, they should be reported separately.

8. Historical information

CPT 81020, previously known as ‘Urinalysis; two or three glass test,’ has undergone historical changes. On January 1, 2009, the code description was updated to its current form. Prior to that, there were no changes to the code since its addition to the Current Procedural Terminology system.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst examines urine specimens collected by a male patient with possible prostatitis using the two or three glass test.
2. A lab analyst performs a microscopic examination on urine specimens labeled glass 1 and glass 2, which were collected by a patient with suspected urinary tract infection.
3. A lab analyst reports on the cellular and bacterial entities observed in urine specimens collected by a male patient before and after a prostatic massage.
4. A lab analyst examines urine specimens collected by a patient with symptoms of prostatitis using the two or three glass test to determine the location of the infection.
5. A lab analyst performs a microscopic examination on urine specimens labeled glass 1, glass 2, and glass 3, which were collected by a male patient with suspected urinary tract infection.
6. A lab analyst reports on the cellular and bacterial entities observed in urine specimens collected by a patient before and after a prostatic massage to determine the site of infection.
7. A lab analyst examines urine specimens collected by a male patient with possible prostatitis using the two or three glass test to identify any cellular or bacterial abnormalities.
8. A lab analyst performs a microscopic examination on urine specimens labeled glass 1 and glass 2, which were collected by a patient with symptoms of urinary tract infection.
9. A lab analyst reports on the cellular and bacterial entities observed in urine specimens collected by a male patient before and after a prostatic massage to determine the presence of infection.
10. A lab analyst examines urine specimens collected by a patient with suspected prostatitis using the two or three glass test to assess for any abnormalities.