Medical bill guides

Plain-language guides to 58 of the most common medical billing codes, with Medicare's 2026 rate nationally and in 10 states, what providers typically billed, and the questions worth asking. Plus how to read an itemized bill, hospital financial assistance and four letters to send.

Checked 28 September 2026 · Medicare Physician Fee Schedule 2026 · Hospital outpatient rates July 2026 · Billed amounts from 2024

Start here

• How to read an itemized medical bill and spot common errors
• Hospital facility fees: why a hospital visit has two bills
• Hospital financial assistance: which hospitals must offer it
• Your rights: No Surprises Act and Good Faith Estimates

Letters to the billing office

• Request for an itemized bill: Start here: an itemized bill lists every code, unit and price, so you can check each line.
• Request to review a charge: Use it when a line looks wrong or higher than expected and you want the billing office to review it.
• Request for a prompt-pay or self-pay discount: Use it when you want to settle the bill and ask for a lower amount or a payment plan.
• Request for financial assistance (charity care): Use it for a hospital bill you may not be able to pay. Nonprofit hospitals must have a financial assistance policy.

Billing codes

Doctor's office visits

• CPT 99202: New patient office or other outpatient visit with straightforward medical…
• CPT 99203: New patient office or other outpatient visit with low level of medical…
• CPT 99204: New patient office or other outpatient visit with moderate level of medical…
• CPT 99205: New patient office or other outpatient visit with a high level of medical…
• CPT 99211: Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of…
• CPT 99212: Established patient office or other outpatient visit with straightforward…
• CPT 99213: Established patient office or other outpatient visit with low level of…
• CPT 99214: Established patient office or other outpatient visit with moderate level of…
• CPT 99215: Established patient office or other outpatient visit with high level of…

Emergency room and hospital clinic visits

• CPT 99281: Emergency department visit for problem that may not require health care…
• CPT 99282: Emergency department visit with straightforward medical decision making
• CPT 99283: Emergency department visit with low level of medical decision making
• CPT 99284: Emergency department visit with moderate level of medical decision making
• CPT 99285: Emergency department visit with high level of medical decision making
• HCPCS G0463: Hospital outpt clinic visit

Blood tests and lab work

• CPT 80053: Blood test, comprehensive group of blood chemicals
• CPT 80048: Blood test, basic group of blood chemicals (calcium, total)
• CPT 80061: Blood test, lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides)
• CPT 85025: Complete blood cell count (red cells, white blood cell, platelets), automated…
• CPT 36415: Insertion of needle into vein for collection of blood sample
• CPT 84443: Blood test, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
• CPT 83036: Hemoglobin a1c level
• CPT 81001: Manual urinalysis test with examination using microscope, automated
• CPT 87880: Detection test by immunoassay with direct visual observation for…

Scans, x-rays and heart tests

• CPT 71045: X-ray of chest, 1 view
• CPT 71046: X-ray of chest, 2 views
• CPT 70450: CT scan head or brain without contrast
• CPT 71250: CT scan of chest without contrast
• CPT 72148: MRI scan of lower spinal canal without contrast
• CPT 70551: MRI scan of brain without contrast
• CPT 73721: MRI scan of leg joint without contrast
• CPT 74177: CT scan of abdomen and pelvis with contrast
• CPT 76700: Complete ultrasound scan of abdomen
• CPT 76856: Complete ultrasound scan of pelvis
• CPT 77067: Screening mammography
• CPT 93000: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) using at least 12 leads with interpretation…
• CPT 93306: Ultrasound of heart with color-depicted blood flow, rate, direction and valve…

Procedures and surgery

• CPT 45378: Diagnostic exam of large bowel using a flexible endoscope
• HCPCS G0121: Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual not meeting criteria…
• CPT 43239: Biopsy of esophagus, stomach, and/or upper small bowel using a flexible…
• CPT 29881: Removal of knee cartilage using an endoscope
• CPT 66984: Removal of cataract with insertion of prosthetic lens
• CPT 20610: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from large joint
• CPT 12001: Simple repair of surface wound of scalp, neck, underarms, trunk, arms, or…
• CPT 59400: Vaginal delivery with care before and after delivery
• CPT 59510: Cesarean delivery with care before and after delivery

Therapy and mental health

• CPT 97110: Therapy procedure using exercise to develop strength, endurance, range of…
• CPT 97161: Evaluation for physical therapy, typically 20 minutes
• CPT 98941: Chiropractic manipulative treatment, 3-4 spinal regions
• CPT 90791: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation
• CPT 90834: Psychotherapy, 45 minutes
• CPT 90837: Psychotherapy, 1 hour

Vaccines, anesthesia and ambulance

• HCPCS G0008: Administration of influenza virus vaccine
• CPT 96372: Injection of drug or substance under skin or into muscle
• CPT 00811: Anesthesia for other procedure on large bowel using an endoscope
• CPT 00142: Anesthesia for lens surgery
• HCPCS A0427: Ambulance service, advanced life support, emergency transport, level 1 (ALS 1…
• HCPCS A0429: Ambulance service, basic life support, emergency transport (BLS-emergency)

General information, not medical, legal or financial advice. Medicare rates are a common benchmark, not what every plan or provider charges. For your own bill, check with the billing office, your insurer or your doctor.