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The CPT® Code 87207 refers to a laboratory procedure that involves the preparation and examination of a smear from a primary source, with a specific focus on identifying inclusion bodies or parasites. This test is crucial for diagnosing various infections caused by parasites or viral agents. The procedure utilizes special staining techniques, such as Giemsa, Giemsa-Wright, or Tzanck stains, to enhance the visibility of these organisms under a microscope. The samples for this test can be derived from multiple bodily fluids and tissues, including blood, stool, urine, sputum, duodenal aspirate, liver or pancreatic aspirate, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), nasal secretions, corneal or conjunctival scrapings, and biopsy tissue. The examination of blood can reveal the presence of malarial parasites, trypanosomes, and microfilaria, while stool and sputum samples may be tested for microsporidia and various parasitic larvae or ova. Urine samples can be analyzed for schistosoma, and aspirates from liver and lung abscesses may be examined for Entamoeba histolytica. The procedure begins with the collection of blood via a fingerstick, where droplets are placed on slides in both thin and thick layers. Other cell materials are applied in a thin layer using an inoculation hook and are then fixed with heat. After staining, the slides are meticulously examined under a microscope to identify and count any inclusion bodies, ova, or parasites present. A comprehensive written report detailing the findings is subsequently generated, providing essential information for diagnosis and treatment planning.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 87207 is indicated for the identification of various inclusion bodies or parasites in different bodily fluids and tissues. The specific indications for performing this laboratory test include:
The procedure for CPT® Code 87207 involves several detailed steps to ensure accurate identification of inclusion bodies or parasites. The process begins with the collection of a blood sample, typically obtained via a fingerstick. This method allows for the quick collection of blood droplets, which are then placed on microscope slides in both thin and thick layers. The thin layer is crucial for the detailed examination of individual cells, while the thick layer can enhance the visibility of parasites. In addition to blood, other cell materials may be collected from various sources, such as stool, urine, or aspirates from tissues. These materials are applied in a thin layer to a slide using an inoculation hook, which helps to spread the sample evenly. Once the samples are prepared, they are fixed with heat to preserve the cellular structure and prevent degradation during the staining process. The next step involves applying special stains, such as Giemsa, Giemsa-Wright, or Tzanck stains, to the slides. These stains are specifically designed to highlight the presence of inclusion bodies or parasites, making them more visible under a microscope. After staining, the slides are examined meticulously under a microscope by a trained laboratory technician or pathologist. During the microscopic examination, any inclusion bodies, ova, or parasites present in the sample are identified and counted. This step is critical for providing accurate diagnostic information. Finally, a comprehensive written report is generated, detailing the findings of the examination, which is essential for guiding further clinical decisions and treatment options.
After the completion of the procedure associated with CPT® Code 87207, there are several considerations for post-procedure care and follow-up. The laboratory technician or pathologist will compile a detailed report of the findings, which will be communicated to the requesting physician. This report is crucial for determining the next steps in patient management, including potential treatment options based on the identified parasites or inclusion bodies. Patients may not require specific post-procedure care related to the smear itself, as the procedure is minimally invasive and primarily involves laboratory analysis. However, if the test results indicate the presence of a parasitic infection, the physician may recommend further diagnostic testing or initiate treatment protocols based on the identified organism. It is also important for healthcare providers to ensure that the results are interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical presentation and history. Follow-up appointments may be necessary to monitor the patient's response to treatment or to conduct additional testing if required. Overall, the timely communication of results and appropriate follow-up care are essential components of the post-procedure process.
| Short Descr | SMEAR SPECIAL STAIN | Medium Descr | SMR PRIM SRC SPEC STAIN BODIES/PARASITS | Long Descr | Smear, primary source with interpretation; special stain for inclusion bodies or parasites (eg, malaria, coccidia, microsporidia, trypanosomes, herpes viruses) | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 6 - Laboratory Physician Interpretation Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | 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) |
| 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. | 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. | 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. | Q4 | Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | 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 | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | 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 | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2006-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2004-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2003-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2001-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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