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The CPT® Code 87181 refers to susceptibility studies that assess the effectiveness of specific antimicrobial agents, such as antibiotics, against particular bacteria. This testing is crucial in determining how well an antibiotic can inhibit or kill bacteria, which is essential for guiding appropriate treatment options for infections. The agar dilution method is employed in this procedure, where the bacteria are cultured in an agar solution that contains varying concentrations of the antibiotic. This method allows for a precise evaluation of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the antibiotic, which is the lowest concentration that prevents visible growth of the bacteria. The results of this study help healthcare providers make informed decisions regarding antibiotic therapy, ensuring that the chosen antibiotic is effective against the identified bacterial strain. It is important to note that there are other related codes for different methods of susceptibility testing, each with specific applications and methodologies, which should be used accordingly based on the testing performed.
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The susceptibility studies using CPT® Code 87181 are indicated for the following:
The procedure for conducting susceptibility studies using the agar dilution method involves several key steps:
After the susceptibility study is completed, the results are analyzed and documented. Healthcare providers will review the findings to determine the most effective antibiotic treatment for the patient. It is important to communicate these results promptly to ensure timely and appropriate patient care. Additionally, any necessary follow-up testing or alternative treatment options may be considered based on the susceptibility results. Proper documentation of the procedure and results is essential for compliance and future reference.
| Short Descr | MICROBE SUSCEPTIBLE DIFFUSE | Medium Descr | SUSCEPTBILTY STDY ANTIMICRBIAL AGNT AGAR DILUTJ | Long Descr | Susceptibility studies, antimicrobial agent; agar dilution method, per agent (eg, antibiotic gradient strip) | 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 | 12 | 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. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | 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. | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | GY | Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit | 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 |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2001-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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