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The CPT® Code 87255 refers to the process of virus isolation, which is a laboratory technique used to identify viruses present in a tissue sample. This procedure involves the use of non-immunologic methods, specifically excluding those that rely on cytopathic effects, such as the visible changes in host cells caused by viral infection. Instead, this method utilizes virus-specific enzymatic activity to confirm the presence of the virus. In practice, a tissue sample is subjected to centrifugation, which separates the components of the sample based on density. Following this, a fluorescent dye is introduced to the mixture, enhancing the visibility of viral particles. The prepared sample is then placed on a microscope slide, where it is examined under a microscope for the detection of the suspected virus. This technique is crucial for accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment planning in cases of viral infections.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 87255 is indicated for the identification of viral infections in patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of a viral etiology. The following conditions may warrant the use of this virus isolation technique:
The procedure for virus isolation as described by CPT® Code 87255 involves several critical steps to ensure accurate identification of the virus present in the tissue sample. The following procedural steps are outlined:
Post-procedure care following the virus isolation process typically involves monitoring the results of the microscopic examination. The laboratory will analyze the findings and report the presence or absence of the virus. Depending on the results, further diagnostic testing or treatment may be recommended. It is essential for healthcare providers to communicate the results to the patient and discuss any necessary follow-up actions or treatments based on the identified viral infection.
| Short Descr | GENET VIRUS ISOLATE HSV | Medium Descr | VIRUS ID NON-IMMUNOLOGIC OTH/THN CYTOPATHIC | Long Descr | Virus isolation; including identification by non-immunologic method, other than by cytopathic effect (eg, virus specific enzymatic activity) | 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. | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | 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. | 76 | Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 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. | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2003-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2003. |
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