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The CPT® Code 87253 refers to the process of virus isolation through tissue culture, specifically when additional studies or definitive identification methods are necessary for each isolate. This code is utilized in situations where initial tissue culture results are inconclusive, prompting the need for further testing to accurately identify a suspected pathogen. The additional studies may include techniques such as hemabsorption, neutralization, or immunofluorescence staining, which are critical for confirming the presence of a virus. This code is essential for laboratories and healthcare providers to ensure that they can effectively diagnose viral infections by isolating and identifying the specific virus present in the tissue sample.
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The use of CPT® Code 87253 is indicated in the following scenarios:
The procedure associated with CPT® Code 87253 involves several critical steps to ensure accurate virus isolation and identification. Each step is designed to enhance the reliability of the results obtained from the tissue culture.
Post-procedure care following the application of CPT® Code 87253 typically involves monitoring the patient for any symptoms related to the suspected viral infection. The results from the additional studies will guide further clinical decisions, including potential treatment options. It is essential for healthcare providers to communicate the findings to the patient and discuss any necessary follow-up actions based on the identified viral pathogen. Additionally, proper documentation of the procedure and results is critical for compliance and billing purposes.
| Short Descr | VIRUS INOCULATE TISSUE ADDL | Medium Descr | VIRUS TISSUE CULTURE ADDL STDY/ID EACH ISOLATE | Long Descr | Virus isolation; tissue culture, additional studies or definitive identification (eg, hemabsorption, neutralization, immunofluorescence stain), each isolate | 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 | 2 | 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. | 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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| 2017-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2001-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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