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 87158 refers to a laboratory procedure known as "Culture, typing; other methods." This procedure involves the cultivation of a blood sample to identify specific organisms present in the culture. The term "culture" in this context refers to the process of growing microorganisms in a controlled environment, allowing for their identification and analysis. The phrase "other methods" indicates that the techniques used for this culture are not specified in other coding categories, suggesting a unique or specialized approach to organism identification. This procedure is essential in microbiology for diagnosing infections and determining the appropriate treatment by identifying the causative agents of disease.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure associated with CPT® Code 87158 is indicated for the identification of specific microorganisms in a blood sample. This is particularly relevant in cases where a patient presents with symptoms of infection, and there is a need to determine the exact organism responsible for the condition. The following are common indications for performing this procedure:
The procedure for CPT® Code 87158 involves several key steps to ensure accurate culture and identification of microorganisms. The following procedural steps are typically followed:
After the completion of the culture procedure, the laboratory will analyze the results and provide a report detailing the identified organisms. Post-procedure care typically involves the following considerations:
Healthcare providers will review the culture results to determine the appropriate course of treatment based on the identified organisms. If an infection is confirmed, the provider may initiate or adjust antibiotic therapy accordingly. Additionally, follow-up testing may be required to monitor the patient's response to treatment and ensure the infection is resolving. It is also important for healthcare providers to communicate the results to the patient and discuss any necessary follow-up appointments or additional testing that may be needed.
| Short Descr | CULTURE TYPING ADDED METHOD | Medium Descr | CULTURE TYPING OTHER METHODS | Long Descr | Culture, typing; other methods | 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 | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 206 - Microscopic examination (bacterial smear, culture, toxicology) |
| 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. | 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. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.