CPT 87591 is a nucleic-acid amplification test for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the standard test for gonorrhea, done on urine or a swab. It is almost always run together with the chlamydia test (87491) from the same sample. Results take one to three days.
What the price covers
The laboratory test only. Chlamydia (87491) is a separate code and charge, and the visit or specimen collection is billed separately. Some laboratories bill a combined code (87801) instead of the two singly.
Why prices vary
Hospital cash prices for this test range from around $30 to several hundred dollars. Public health clinics, sexual health clinics and direct-to-consumer lab services are typically far cheaper, and testing is free in many counties.
Questions to ask
- What is the self-pay price for 87591 plus 87491 together?
- Is the specimen collection or visit billed on top?
- Is free or low-cost testing available at a public clinic nearby?