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Official Description

Culture, fungi, definitive identification, each organism; yeast

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 87106 refers to a laboratory procedure specifically designed for the culture and definitive identification of fungi, focusing on yeast organisms. This test is crucial in the diagnostic process for fungal or yeast infections, as it allows healthcare professionals to accurately identify the specific type of yeast present in a sample. The identification process involves growing the yeast in a controlled culture environment, where it can be isolated and examined. The laboratory utilizes both macroscopic and microscopic techniques to observe the morphology of the yeast, which aids in its identification. Furthermore, advanced methods such as nucleic acid hybridization probes, D2rDNA gene sequencing, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), or MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry may be employed to confirm the identity of the pathogen at a molecular level. It is important to note that each organism identified in the culture is reported separately, and if multiple colonies are present, the code can be reported multiple times. Specifically, CPT® Code 87106 is designated for the identification of yeast genus and species, while a different code, CPT® Code 87107, is used for the identification of mold genus and species.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The CPT® Code 87106 is indicated for use in the diagnosis and management of various conditions related to fungal or yeast infections. The following are specific indications for performing this laboratory test:

  • Fungal Infections This test is utilized to diagnose infections caused by yeast organisms, which may present with various symptoms depending on the site of infection.
  • Chronic Conditions It is indicated for managing chronic fungal infections that may require ongoing monitoring and identification of the causative organism.
  • Recurring Infections The test is also performed in cases of recurring yeast infections to identify persistent or resistant strains of yeast.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 87106 involves several key steps to ensure accurate culture and identification of yeast organisms. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Sample Collection A specimen is collected from the patient, which may include swabs, tissue samples, or other bodily fluids suspected of containing yeast organisms. Proper collection techniques are essential to avoid contamination.
  • Culturing the Sample The collected specimen is inoculated onto a suitable culture medium that supports the growth of yeast. The culture is incubated under controlled conditions, allowing the yeast to proliferate and form colonies.
  • Observation and Morphological Assessment After an appropriate incubation period, the culture is examined both macroscopically and microscopically. The laboratory technician observes the characteristics of the yeast colonies, such as color, texture, and growth patterns, which are critical for preliminary identification.
  • Definitive Identification To confirm the identity of the yeast, advanced techniques such as nucleic acid hybridization probes, D2rDNA gene sequencing, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), or MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry are employed. These methods provide precise identification at the species level.
  • Reporting Results Each identified organism is documented, and a separate report is generated for each yeast species identified. If multiple yeast colonies are present, the code may be reported multiple times to reflect the number of organisms identified.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for patients undergoing testing with CPT® Code 87106 typically involves monitoring for any adverse reactions related to the sample collection process. Results from the culture and identification will be communicated to the healthcare provider, who will interpret the findings in the context of the patient's clinical presentation. Depending on the results, further treatment options may be discussed, including antifungal therapies or additional diagnostic testing if necessary. It is essential for healthcare providers to follow up with patients to ensure appropriate management of any identified fungal or yeast infections.

Short Descr FUNGI IDENTIFICATION YEAST
Medium Descr CULTURE FUNGI DEFINITIVE ID EACH ORGANISM YEAST
Long Descr Culture, fungi, definitive identification, each organism; yeast
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 3
CCS Clinical Classification 206 - Microscopic examination (bacterial smear, culture, toxicology)
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.
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
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.
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.
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2001-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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Description
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