Pediatric Coding Alert

Question: I am confused by the terms “automated” and “non-automated” when it comes to urinalysis testing. What is the difference between 81002 and 81003?

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Answer: A non-automated urinalysis test involves a tester visually comparing a test strip’s color change to a test manufacturer’s color chart after the strip has been placed in a patient’s urine sample. Assuming no microscopic analysis of the test was involved, you would use 81002 (Urinalysis, by dip stick or tablet reagent for bilirubin, glucose, hemoglobin, ketones, leukocytes, nitrite, pH, protein, specific gravity, urobilinogen, any number of these constituents; non-automated, without microscopy) to code this kind of urinalysis test.

Automated urinalysis testing involves the tester placing the test strip into a machine that reads the test and automatically provides the tester with the results. Again, assuming no microscopic analysis of the test was involved, you would use 81003 (... automated, without microscopy) for this service.