2025 CPT code 87153
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Laboratory - Microbiology Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Procedures Feed
Identification of microorganisms by nucleic acid sequencing, per isolate.
Modifiers 59 (distinct procedural service) and 91 (repeat test) may be applicable as described in the CPT guidelines.
Nucleic acid sequencing is medically necessary when further characterization of an organism already identified to the genus and species level is required for accurate diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiological surveillance.
Laboratory personnel perform the nucleic acid sequencing to identify the specific type of microorganism.
In simple words: The lab uses a special test (nucleic acid sequencing) to precisely identify a type of bacteria or other germ that was already found in a sample. This helps doctors know exactly what germ is causing an illness.
This CPT code reports the laboratory procedure of identifying a microorganism to the type level using nucleic acid sequencing. This procedure is performed on a previously isolated and identified organism (to the genus and species level, typically using other microbiology procedures billed separately).The sequencing may involve various technical steps to determine the order of nucleotides in a DNA or RNA molecule.This code represents the sequencing of nucleotides from a single culture isolate.Molecular diagnostic codes (e.g., 81161-81408) are not to be used in addition to or instead of this code.If multiple specimens/sites are involved, use modifier 59. For repeat tests on the same day, use modifier 91.
Example 1: A patient presents with a suspected Mycobacterium haemophilum infection.A culture is obtained and the organism is identified to the genus and species level (billed separately).Code 87153 is used to bill the additional sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene to confirm the type of Mycobacterium., A patient has a wound culture revealing a Gram-negative bacillus.After presumptive identification with initial tests, further biochemical testing (billed separately) identifies the organism to the genus and species level.Code 87153 is used to bill for additional nucleic acid sequencing for further typing of the organism., A patient with suspected meningitis has a cerebrospinal fluid culture.After isolation and identification of an organism to the genus and species level (billed separately), code 87153 is used to bill for nucleic acid sequencing to identify the specific type of organism to aid in treatment decisions.
* Detailed laboratory report specifying the organism identified to genus and species level (from prior tests).* Report indicating that nucleic acid sequencing was used to further identify the organism to the type level.* Detailed description of the nucleic acid sequencing method used.* Identification of the specific type of organism.
** Always refer to the most current CPT codebook and guidelines for the most up-to-date information on coding and reimbursement.
- Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE))
- RVU: Information not available in provided text.RVUs vary by location and payer.
- Global Days: Not applicable.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Fee Schedule: Information not available in provided text. Fee schedules vary by payer and location.
- Specialties:Medical Microbiology, Clinical Microbiology, Infectious Disease
- Place of Service:Laboratory