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The CPT® Code 87188 refers to susceptibility studies that utilize the macrobroth dilution method to assess the effectiveness of specific antimicrobial agents against particular bacteria. This procedure is essential in microbiology for determining how well an antibiotic can inhibit or kill bacteria, which is crucial for guiding appropriate treatment options. The macrobroth dilution method involves preparing a series of broth cultures with varying concentrations of the antibiotic in question. By observing the growth of the bacteria in these cultures, healthcare professionals can identify the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the antibiotic, which is the lowest concentration that prevents visible growth of the bacteria. This information is vital for clinicians to select the most effective antibiotic therapy for infections, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care based on the susceptibility of the bacteria involved. It is important to note that this code specifically applies to the macrobroth dilution method; other methods of susceptibility testing, such as disk diffusion or agar dilution, are coded differently, as indicated by the related CPT codes.
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The susceptibility studies using the macrobroth dilution method, represented by CPT® Code 87188, are indicated for the following:
The macrobroth dilution method involves several key procedural steps to accurately assess the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial agents.
Post-procedure care following the macrobroth dilution method typically involves reviewing the results with the healthcare team to determine the most effective antibiotic therapy for the patient. Clinicians may need to consider the patient's clinical status, potential side effects of the antibiotic, and any other relevant factors when making treatment decisions. Additionally, it is important to monitor the patient for any adverse reactions to the prescribed antibiotic and to adjust the treatment plan as necessary based on the susceptibility results and the patient's response to therapy.
| Short Descr | MICROBE SUSCEPT MACROBROTH | Medium Descr | SC STD ANTMCRB AGT MACROBROTH DIL METH EA AGT | Long Descr | Susceptibility studies, antimicrobial agent; macrobroth dilution method, each agent | 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 | 6 | CCS Clinical Classification | 206 - Microscopic examination (bacterial smear, culture, toxicology) |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 87187 | Addon Code MPFS Status: Statutory exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) APC Q4 CPT Assistant Article Susceptibility studies, antimicrobial agent; microdilution or agar dilution, minimum lethal concentration (MLC), each plate (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| 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. | 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. | 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. |
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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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