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The CPT® Code 87149 refers to a laboratory procedure that involves the culture and identification of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, using a specific technique known as nucleic acid probe testing. This method allows for the definitive identification of the microorganism at the genus or species level. Initially, a culture is performed to obtain a presumptive identification of the microorganism, which is a separate and reportable procedure. Once this initial identification is established, additional cultures may be conducted to refine the identification process further. In the context of CPT® Code 87149, a direct probe technique is employed. This involves the use of a lysate, which is a solution that ruptures the cells of the cultured organism to release their nucleic acids, either DNA or RNA. The lysate is then introduced into a sample well, while the cultured organism is placed on a test slide. The test slide is subsequently immersed in the lysate and incubated using robotic technology to ensure precise conditions for the reaction. Following this incubation, a DNA or RNA probe, which consists of laboratory-prepared complementary strands of nucleic acid specific to the target organism, is added to the test well. If the cultured cells contain the corresponding nucleic acids, the probe will bind to them, forming a double-stranded complex or hybrid. This binding indicates the presence of the specific genus or species being tested. The detection of this binding is often facilitated by probes that are labeled with chemical fluorescence, with a positive result indicated by a change in color. It is important to report a direct probe for each culture or isolate probed using this technique, as well as for each organism that is identified. This procedure is crucial for accurate microbiological diagnostics and plays a significant role in guiding appropriate treatment options for infections caused by these microorganisms.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 87149 is indicated for the definitive identification of microorganisms from cultures. This includes the following conditions:
The procedure for CPT® Code 87149 involves several critical steps to ensure accurate identification of the microorganism:
After the completion of the procedure associated with CPT® Code 87149, the laboratory will analyze the results to confirm the presence of the targeted microorganism. The expected outcome is a definitive identification that can guide clinical decision-making. It is essential for healthcare providers to review the results promptly to initiate appropriate treatment based on the identified organism. Additionally, any necessary follow-up testing or further cultures may be recommended based on the findings. Proper documentation of the procedure and results is crucial for compliance and billing purposes.
| Short Descr | DNA/RNA DIRECT PROBE | Medium Descr | CULTURE TYPING NUCLEIC ACID PROBE DIR EA ORGANSM | Long Descr | Culture, typing; identification by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) probe, direct probe technique, per culture or isolate, each organism probed | 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. | CC | Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed) | 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 | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | XE | Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Guideline information changed. |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2010-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2001-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2001. |
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