2025 CPT code 87140
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Laboratory - Microbiology Culture and Typing Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Feed
Immunofluorescent typing of a previously isolated and identified microorganism; each antiserum.
Modifiers 59 and 91 are applicable as per CPT guidelines. Modifier 59 should be used when the test is performed on multiple specimens or sites. Modifier 91 is used when the test is repeated on the same day.Other modifiers may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances.
The medical necessity of 87140 is established when there's a clinical indication for further characterization of an identified microorganism, such as to guide antibiotic selection, infection control measures, or epidemiological investigations. The need should be documented in the patient's medical record.
The clinical responsibility lies with the ordering physician to determine the medical necessity for the test and to interpret the results in the context of the patient's clinical picture. The laboratory performs the technical aspect of the test.
In simple words: The lab uses a special test (immunofluorescence) to further identify a type of germ that's already been found.They use special substances that glow when they attach to the germ. This helps determine a more precise identification of the germ.
This CPT code represents the immunofluorescent method used for typing a microorganism that has already been isolated and identified to the genus and species level using other procedures.The procedure involves incubating the isolated organism with fluorescent-marker-tagged antibodies (in an antiserum) specific to a particular organism type.A positive reaction, indicating binding of antibodies to antigens on the isolated organism, confirms the organism's type. Each antiserum used represents one unit of 87140.This code is used in addition to the codes for the initial culture, isolation, and identification procedures.
Example 1: A patient presents with community-acquired pneumonia.A sputum culture identifies *Streptococcus pneumoniae*.87140 is used to perform serotyping to determine the specific capsular type of the *Streptococcus pneumoniae*, which aids in guiding antibiotic therapy., A patient with suspected bacterial meningitis undergoes a lumbar puncture.Gram-positive cocci are identified in CSF culture.Further typing with 87140 is performed to identify *Neisseria meningitidis* serogroup to guide treatment and public health measures., A patient has a positive rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test for syphilis.Treponema pallidum is isolated from a lesion.87140 is used to perform specific serotyping to confirm the presence of syphilis and possibly define the strain involved.
* Physician order specifying the need for immunofluorescent typing.* Complete patient demographics.* Identification of the isolated and identified organism.* Results of the immunofluorescent typing procedure with specific antisera used and results.
** This code should only be reported after the organism has been isolated and identified to the genus and species level using other appropriate CPT codes.The use of multiple antisera in a single testing session requires reporting multiple units of 87140, one unit for each antiserum used.
- Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER)
- RVU: The relative value units (RVUs) for CPT code 87140 will vary depending on factors such as geographic location, practice expense, and malpractice insurance costs.Consult your local Medicare Physician Fee Schedule or commercial payer's fee schedule for the most current RVU values.
- Global Days: Not applicable. This is a laboratory test, not a surgical procedure.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable. This is a laboratory test, and the technical component is implicitly included in the code.
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedule data for CPT code 87140 is available through various resources such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website and commercial payer fee schedules.These fees will vary based on year and geographic location.
- Specialties:Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Pathology
- Place of Service:Laboratory