Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
CareerCenter
Medical Coding Job Board
Log in Register free account

Need help choosing the right code?

Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.

Try CasePilot

Official Description

Culture, typing; immunologic method, other than immunofluorescence (eg, agglutination grouping), per antiserum

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 87147 refers to a laboratory procedure known as culture typing using an immunologic method, excluding immunofluorescence techniques. This procedure involves the identification and grouping of different antisera present in a blood sample. In simpler terms, it is a method used to determine the specific types of antibodies in a patient's blood, which can be crucial for diagnosing various infections or immune responses. The process typically involves the use of agglutination grouping, where the blood sample is mixed with specific antisera that react with particular antigens present on the surface of pathogens or cells. This reaction helps in identifying the presence of specific antibodies, thereby allowing healthcare professionals to understand the patient's immune status or the type of infection they may be dealing with. The accurate identification of these antibodies is essential for guiding treatment decisions and ensuring appropriate patient care.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 87147 is indicated for various clinical scenarios where the identification of specific antibodies is necessary. This includes situations where there is a need to determine the immune response to infections or to identify blood group antigens. The following are explicit indications for performing this procedure:

  • Identification of Antibodies - To identify specific antibodies present in a patient's blood that may indicate an immune response to an infection.
  • Blood Typing - To determine the blood group of a patient, which is essential for safe blood transfusions and organ transplants.
  • Diagnosis of Infections - To assist in diagnosing certain infections by identifying the presence of antibodies against specific pathogens.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 87147 involves several key steps that ensure accurate identification and grouping of antisera in a blood sample. Each step is critical for the successful outcome of the test.

  • Sample Collection - A blood sample is collected from the patient, typically through venipuncture. This sample serves as the basis for the subsequent testing.
  • Preparation of Antisera - Various antisera are prepared, which are specific to the antigens that need to be identified. These antisera are crucial for the agglutination process.
  • Mixing of Sample and Antisera - The collected blood sample is mixed with the prepared antisera. This mixture allows for the interaction between the antibodies in the blood and the antigens present in the antisera.
  • Observation of Agglutination - The mixture is observed for agglutination, which is the clumping of cells. The presence or absence of agglutination indicates the reaction between the antibodies and the antigens, helping to identify the specific types of antibodies present.
  • Interpretation of Results - The results of the agglutination test are interpreted by a qualified laboratory professional. This interpretation is essential for determining the immune status of the patient or for diagnosing infections.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the procedure associated with CPT® Code 87147, the patient may not require any specific post-procedure care, as the test is typically performed in a laboratory setting and does not involve invasive techniques. However, it is important for healthcare providers to communicate the results to the patient and discuss any necessary follow-up actions based on the findings. Patients may be advised to monitor for any symptoms related to infections or immune responses, and further testing or treatment may be recommended depending on the results obtained from the procedure.

Short Descr CULTURE TYPE IMMUNOLOGIC
Medium Descr CULTURE TYPING IMMUNOLOGIC OTH/THN IMMUNOFLUORES
Long Descr Culture, typing; immunologic method, other than immunofluorescence (eg, agglutination grouping), per antiserum
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.
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.
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.
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.
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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.
95 Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system.
AY Item or service furnished to an esrd patient that is not for the treatment of esrd
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
Date
Action
Notes
2017-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2001-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"