2025 CPT code 87143
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Laboratory - Microbiology Culture and Typing Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Procedures Feed
This code represents the use of gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) or high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) to further type a previously isolated and identified microorganism.
Modifiers 59 (distinct procedural service) and 91 (repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test) are applicable depending on the scenario.
The medical necessity for 87143 is established when additional typing information is needed to guide treatment decisions beyond the initial species identification. Examples include identifying drug resistance patterns, tracking outbreaks, or conducting epidemiological investigations.
The clinical responsibility lies with the ordering physician who interprets the results of the chromatography analysis in the context of the patient's clinical presentation.The laboratory personnel are responsible for the technical performance of the test.
- Pathology and Laboratory Procedures
- Microbiology Procedures > Microbiology Culture and Typing Procedures
In simple words: This lab test uses special machines (like HPLC or GLC) to further identify a type of bacteria or other germ that has already been found in a sample. It helps to pinpoint the exact kind of germ for better treatment.
CPT code 87143 describes the laboratory procedure of using gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) or high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) to perform microbial typing on an organism that has already been isolated and identified to the genus and species level.This technique separates the components of the microorganism based on their physical and chemical properties, allowing for more precise identification or subtyping.The results provide additional characterization beyond standard identification methods such as biochemical testing. This code is reported in addition to the codes for the initial culture, isolation, and identification of the microorganism.
Example 1: A patient presents with a persistent urinary tract infection (UTI) that has not responded to standard antibiotic treatment.A urine culture identifies Escherichia coli.To determine the specific strain and its antibiotic susceptibility profile,87143 is used to perform HPLC typing., A patient with suspected tuberculosis (TB) has a positive sputum culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis.To identify the strain and potential drug resistance, HPLC or GLC typing (87143) is performed alongside other diagnostic tests., During a hospital outbreak of a multi-drug resistant organism, isolates are identified by standard methods. To better understand the epidemiology and the spread of the outbreak,87143 might be used for typing analysis to determine if there is a specific clone involved.
* Detailed patient history and physical examination findings.* Results of initial culture and identification (genus and species level).* Specific technique used (GLC or HPLC).* Chromatographic analysis report.* Interpretation of the results.
** The specific type of chromatography (GLC or HPLC) used may not always be specified, as long as the appropriate method is used for typing the microorganism.
- Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE))
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: This is a laboratory test, therefore technical component modifiers do not apply.
- Specialties:* Microbiology* Infectious Disease* Clinical Pathology
- Place of Service:Laboratory