CPT 82044: Semiquantitative Urine Albumin (Microalbumin) by Reagent Strip
CPT code 82044 designates a semiquantitative urine albumin (microalbumin) test performed manually with a reagent strip, without use of an automated chemistry analyzer. This point-of-care diagnostic procedure is commonly used to screen for early kidney damage, monitor patients with diabetes or hypertension, and support clinical decision-making in outpatient settings. Nationally, use of this code matters because it captures low-cost, office-based screening that can influence quality metrics and population health management.
Key payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise review of clinical context for semiquantitative urine albumin testing, common settings where the service is provided, and what the code represents for billing and documentation. The publication summarizes typical use cases, outlines which payers are addressed, and indicates where input data were unavailable.
The report covers clinical relevance, standard sites of service, and what to expect in payor coverage discussions. It also highlights gaps where specific benchmark or taxonomy data were not provided. Data not available in the input.
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Billing Code Overview
CPT code 82044 describes a semiquantitative urine albumin (microalbumin) test performed without use of a chemistry analyzer or other instrument, typically using a reagent strip read visually by office or laboratory personnel. This service is generally performed as a point-of-care or walk-in test.
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Service type: Point-of-care or office-based diagnostic urine testing
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Typical site of service: Physician office, outpatient clinic, or laboratory performing manual reagent-strip urinalysis
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