What this is, in plain language
A lab test that grows bacteria from a urine sample to confirm a urinary tract infection and identify which antibiotic will work.
Why a clinician orders it
UTI symptoms, recurrent infections, or a urinalysis suggesting infection.
Medical necessity — what insurers usually look at
Usually covered when ordered for symptoms. Often ordered with a urinalysis (81002 or 81003) — both may appear on the same bill.
New to this? Read what medical necessity means and how to appeal a denial.
Documentation to ask about
- ✓Symptoms documented
- ✓In-network lab confirmation
Questions for your provider
- ?Is the lab in-network?
- ?Will I start antibiotics before results come back?
Why this code is in our seed set
One of the highest-volume microbiology tests nationally; in the CMS Top 100 Laboratory Procedures Ranked by Services.
Validated against
- •CMS Top 100 Laboratory Procedures Ranked by Services
- •AMA CPT code 87086 descriptor
Important: AuraCode is an educational tool. It does not provide medical, legal, or insurance advice, claims decisions, or approval guarantees. Final coverage depends on your specific plan, eligibility, diagnosis, submitted documentation, and your insurer's review.