Need help choosing the right code?
Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.
Try CasePilot© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The CPT® Code 87103 refers to a laboratory procedure specifically designed for the culture and isolation of fungi, which can include both molds and yeasts, from blood samples. This test is crucial in the diagnostic process for identifying fungal infections that may affect various body systems. The procedure involves obtaining blood through methods such as venipuncture or a central line draw, ensuring that the sample is suitable for testing. Once collected, the blood is placed in a specialized culture monitoring system that employs advanced techniques, including microscopic examination, biochemical analysis, DNA probes, and chromatography, to detect and isolate any fungal colonies present in the sample. The primary goal of this test is to presumptively identify the type of fungi present, which can aid in diagnosing conditions related to fungal infections. However, it is important to note that while this procedure provides initial identification, further laboratory tests may be necessary to confirm the specific type of yeast or mold isolated from the culture. This comprehensive approach is essential for effective management of acute, chronic, or recurring fungal conditions.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The CPT® Code 87103 is indicated for use in the diagnosis and management of various conditions associated with fungal infections. The following are specific indications for performing this laboratory test:
The procedure for CPT® Code 87103 involves several critical steps to ensure accurate isolation and identification of fungi from blood samples. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the completion of the CPT® Code 87103 procedure, the laboratory will analyze the culture results. The expected outcome is the identification of any fungal organisms present in the blood sample. If fungi are detected, the healthcare provider may need to consider further testing to confirm the specific type of fungus and determine the appropriate treatment plan. Patients may be monitored for any symptoms of infection, and follow-up care may be necessary based on the results of the culture and the clinical context. It is essential for healthcare providers to communicate the results to the patient and discuss any required next steps in management or treatment.
| Short Descr | BLOOD FUNGUS CULTURE | Medium Descr | CULTURE FNGI MOLD/YEAST ISOL PRSMPTV ISOL BLOOD | Long Descr | Culture, fungi (mold or yeast) isolation, with presumptive identification of isolates; blood | Status Code | Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 9 - Not Applicable | Multiple Procedures (51) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Co-Surgeons (62) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Team Surgery (66) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | CLIA Waived (QW) | No | APC Status Indicator | Conditionally packaged laboratory tests | Type of Service (TOS) | 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule) | MUE | 2 | CCS Clinical Classification | 206 - Microscopic examination (bacterial smear, culture, toxicology) |
| 91 | Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient. | 90 | Reference (outside) laboratory: when laboratory procedures are performed by a party other than the treating or reporting physician or other qualified health care professional, the procedure may be identified by adding modifier 90 to the usual procedure number. | 26 | Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number. | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | Q4 | Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 2001-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.