G0480 Medicare Reimbursement Rate (2026)
Current CMS pricing and breakdown for Drug test def 1-7 classes.
National Average Payment
National Medicare Payment
$114.43
This fee schedule does not publish separate facility and non-facility rates for this code.
Effective Q3 2026
ℹ️ Good to Know
This item has a standard price nationwide. Your local rate will likely match the amount shown above.
Historical Medicare Reimbursement
| Quarter | National Medicare Payment | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Q3 | $114.43 | +0.00% |
| 2026 Q2 | $114.43 | +0.00% |
| 2026 Q1 | $114.43 | +0.00% |
| 2025 Q4 | $114.43 | — |
| 2025 Q3 | $114.43 | — |
| 2025 Q2 | $114.43 | — |
| 2025 Q1 | $114.43 | — |
Code Description
Drug test(s), definitive, utilizing (1) drug identification methods able to identify individual drugs and distinguish between structural isomers (but not necessarily stereoisomers), including, but not limited to gc/ms (any type, single or tandem) and lc/ms (any type, single or tandem and excluding immunoassays (e.g., ia, eia, elisa, emit, fpia) and enzymatic methods (e.g., alcohol dehydrogenase)), (2) stable isotope or other universally recognized internal standards in all samples (e.g., to control for matrix effects, interferences and variations in signal strength), and (3) method or drug-specific calibration and matrix-matched quality control material (e.g., to control for instrument variations and mass spectral drift); qualitative or quantitative, all sources, includes specimen validity testing, per day; 1-7 drug class(es), including metabolite(s) if performed
Reimbursement Summary
CPT code G0480 (Drug test(s), definitive, utilizing (1) drug identification methods able to identify individual drugs and distinguish between structural isomers (but not necessarily stereoisomers), including, but not limited to gc/ms (any type, single or tandem) and lc/ms (any type, single or tandem and excluding immunoassays (e.g., ia, eia, elisa, emit, fpia) and enzymatic methods (e.g., alcohol dehydrogenase)), (2) stable isotope or other universally recognized internal standards in all samples (e.g., to control for matrix effects, interferences and variations in signal strength), and (3) method or drug-specific calibration and matrix-matched quality control material (e.g., to control for instrument variations and mass spectral drift); qualitative or quantitative, all sources, includes specimen validity testing, per day; 1-7 drug class(es), including metabolite(s) if performed) had a 2026 Medicare non-facility reimbursement rate of $114.43. This reflects a 0.00% change from the prior year.
The 2026 National Medicare reimbursement for G0480 is $114.43. This item is paid at a standard national rate, so local variation is typically minimal.
Description: Drug test(s), definitive, utilizing (1) drug identification methods able to identify individual drugs and distinguish between structural isomers (but not necess.... Payment policies and coverage rules can still vary by setting and claim details, so confirm final guidance through CMS when needed.
Q3 2026 Breakdown
| Component | Office (Non-Fac) | Facility (Hosp) |
|---|---|---|
| Work RVU | ||
| Practice Expense (PE) | ||
| Malpractice (MP) | ||
| Total RVUs | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Are you being paid correctly for this code?
Compare a payment against the Medicare benchmark for this code.
Medicare rates are used as a benchmark only. Actual payer contracts, modifiers, place of service, units, and billing rules may affect reimbursement. This tool is for educational and operational review purposes, not legal or billing advice.
Facility vs. Non-Facility (Office) Payment
Facility vs. non-facility pricing most commonly applies to physician services paid under the RVU-based Physician Fee Schedule. For G0480 (Clinical Laboratory Test), the payment methodology may not include both facility and non-facility rates.
Learn How This Reimbursement Is Calculated
Medicare reimbursement is determined by RVUs, geographic adjustments, and the annual conversion factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2026 Medicare rate for G0480?
The 2026 National Average Medicare reimbursement rate for G0480 (Clinical Laboratory Test) is $114.43. This rate is effective as of January 1, 2026.
What is the description for code G0480?
Drug test(s), definitive, utilizing (1) drug identification methods able to identify individual drugs and distinguish between structural isomers (but not necessarily stereoisomers), including, but not limited to gc/ms (any type, single or tandem) and lc/ms (any type, single or tandem and excluding immunoassays (e.g., ia, eia, elisa, emit, fpia) and enzymatic methods (e.g., alcohol dehydrogenase)), (2) stable isotope or other universally recognized internal standards in all samples (e.g., to control for matrix effects, interferences and variations in signal strength), and (3) method or drug-specific calibration and matrix-matched quality control material (e.g., to control for instrument variations and mass spectral drift); qualitative or quantitative, all sources, includes specimen validity testing, per day; 1-7 drug class(es), including metabolite(s) if performed
Why do facility and non-facility payments differ for G0480?
Facility vs. non-facility differences usually apply to RVU-based physician services. G0480 may not use both facility and non-facility pricing depending on its payment methodology.
How can I find my local Medicare rate for G0480?
Use MedFeeSchedule's Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Lookup Tool on the homepage to estimate your locality-adjusted reimbursement. Medicare payment can vary based on geographic adjustments (GPCI), place of service, and claim specifics.
Is G0480 covered by Medicare?
Coverage depends on medical necessity, setting, and Medicare policy. Some codes may be bundled, contractor-priced, or restricted. Verify final coverage guidance through CMS or your local MAC when applicable.
