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The CPT® Code 87187 refers to susceptibility studies that assess the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents against specific bacteria. This procedure involves determining the minimum lethal concentration (MLC) of an antibiotic, which is the lowest concentration required to kill the bacteria. The testing is conducted using microdilution or agar dilution methods, where the bacteria are exposed to varying concentrations of the antibiotic in an agar solution. This allows for a precise measurement of how effective the antibiotic is at different dilution levels. The results of this study are crucial for guiding treatment decisions, as they help healthcare providers understand which antibiotics are most effective against particular bacterial infections. It is important to note that this code is used in conjunction with other related codes for different types of susceptibility testing, such as disc diffusion or enzyme release tests, which are coded separately. The use of CPT® Code 87187 is essential for accurate billing and documentation of these specific antimicrobial susceptibility tests.
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The susceptibility study represented by CPT® Code 87187 is indicated for the evaluation of bacterial infections where determining the effectiveness of specific antimicrobial agents is necessary. This procedure is particularly relevant in the following scenarios:
The procedure for conducting susceptibility studies using CPT® Code 87187 involves several key steps, which are detailed below:
Post-procedure care following the susceptibility study using CPT® Code 87187 typically involves analyzing the results to guide treatment decisions. Healthcare providers will review the MLC findings to determine the most effective antibiotic therapy for the patient. Additionally, it is important to document the results accurately in the patient's medical record for future reference and to inform ongoing treatment plans. There are no specific recovery considerations for the patient related to this laboratory procedure, as it is performed in a controlled laboratory environment and does not involve direct patient intervention.
| Short Descr | MICROBE SUSCEPTIBLE MLC | Medium Descr | SUSCEPTIBLTY STDY ANTMCRB MICRO/AGAR DILUTJ EA | Long Descr | Susceptibility studies, antimicrobial agent; microdilution or agar dilution, minimum lethal concentration (MLC), each plate (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | 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 | 3 | CCS Clinical Classification | 206 - Microscopic examination (bacterial smear, culture, toxicology) |
This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.
| 87186 | MPFS Status: Statutory exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) APC Q4 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Susceptibility studies, antimicrobial agent; microdilution or agar dilution (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] or breakpoint), each multi-antimicrobial, per plate | 87188 | MPFS Status: Statutory exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) APC Q4 CPT Assistant Article Susceptibility studies, antimicrobial agent; macrobroth dilution method, each agent |
| 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. | 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 | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider |
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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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