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Official Description

Culture, fungi, definitive identification, each organism; mold

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 87107 refers to a laboratory procedure specifically designed for the culture and definitive identification of fungi, particularly molds. This test is crucial in the diagnostic process for fungal or yeast infections, as it allows healthcare professionals to accurately identify the specific organism responsible for the infection. The procedure involves growing pure isolates of yeast and/or filamentous fungi in a controlled laboratory environment. Once cultured, the identification of these organisms is achieved through a combination of macroscopic and microscopic examination, which assesses the physical characteristics of the fungi. Additionally, 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 to confirm the identity of the pathogens. It is important to note that each organism identified in the culture is reported separately using this code. In cases where multiple colonies are present, the code may be reported multiple times to reflect the number of distinct organisms identified. For the identification of yeast, a different code, 87106, is utilized, while 87107 is specifically reserved for mold identification.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The CPT® Code 87107 is indicated for use in the diagnosis and management of various fungal or yeast infections. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this laboratory test:

  • Fungal Infections The test is utilized to identify specific molds that may be causing infections in patients, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.
  • Chronic or Recurring Conditions For patients experiencing ongoing or recurrent fungal infections, this test helps in determining the exact organism involved, which is essential for effective management and treatment.
  • Acute Infections In cases of sudden onset fungal infections, the definitive identification of the causative mold can guide immediate therapeutic decisions.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 87107 involves several critical steps to ensure accurate identification of mold organisms. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Culture Preparation A sample suspected of containing fungi is collected and prepared for culture. This may involve swabbing an infected area or collecting a specimen from a body fluid or tissue.
  • Step 2: Incubation The prepared sample is inoculated onto a suitable culture medium that supports the growth of fungi. The culture is then incubated under controlled conditions, allowing the fungi to grow and form colonies.
  • Step 3: Morphological Examination Once colonies have developed, laboratory personnel perform a macroscopic examination to observe the characteristics of the colonies, such as color, texture, and growth patterns. A microscopic examination follows, where samples are examined under a microscope to assess the cellular morphology of the fungi.
  • Step 4: Definitive Identification To confirm the identity of the mold, 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 of the mold at the species level.
  • Step 5: Reporting After identification, the results are documented, and a separate report is generated for each organism identified. If multiple molds are present, the code 87107 may be reported multiple times to reflect each distinct organism.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the culture and identification of molds typically involves the interpretation of results by a healthcare provider. The identification of the specific mold can significantly influence treatment decisions, including the choice of antifungal therapy. Patients may be monitored for response to treatment, and follow-up cultures may be performed if necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the therapy. Additionally, healthcare providers may consider the patient's clinical history and any underlying conditions that could affect the management of the identified fungal infection.

Short Descr FUNGI IDENTIFICATION MOLD
Medium Descr CULTURE FUNGI DEFINITIVE ID EACH ORGANISM MOLD
Long Descr Culture, fungi, definitive identification, each organism; mold
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 4
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.
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.
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
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.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2001-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2001.
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Description
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