2025 CPT code 87188
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Laboratory - Microbiology Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Procedures Feed
Susceptibility studies; antimicrobial agent; macrobroth dilution method; each agent.
Modifiers 59 (distinct procedural service) and 91 (repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test) may apply depending on the circumstances.
Medical necessity is established when the clinician needs to determine the most effective antibiotic and dosage for treating a bacterial or fungal infection. Susceptibility testing is indicated for serious infections where treatment choices are uncertain or resistance is suspected.
Laboratory personnel perform the technical aspects of the test, including preparing dilutions, inoculating samples, incubating, and observing growth. Clinicians interpret the results to guide antibiotic selection and dosage.
In simple words: This lab test checks how well different antibiotics work against bacteria or fungi causing an infection. It helps doctors choose the best antibiotic and dose to treat the infection.
This CPT code reports susceptibility testing of a microorganism isolate using the macrobroth dilution method.The test evaluates the isolate's sensitivity to various antimicrobial agents (antibiotics) by observing growth in different concentrations of each antibiotic. The results are reported as minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) in mcg/mL, categorized as susceptible (S), intermediate (I), or resistant (R). Each antimicrobial agent tested represents one unit of this code.This test aids in selecting appropriate antibiotic therapy and dosage for infections.
Example 1: A patient presents with a severe urinary tract infection. A urine culture is performed, and E. coli is isolated.87188 is used to test the E. coli isolate's susceptibility to various antibiotics, guiding treatment decisions., A patient with suspected bacterial endocarditis undergoes blood cultures. Positive cultures yield Staphylococcus aureus. Code 87188 is utilized to determine the best antibiotic regimen for this serious infection., A patient with pneumonia has sputum cultures revealing Klebsiella pneumoniae.87188 is used to test the isolate's susceptibility to multiple antibiotics, assisting the clinician in choosing the most effective and tailored treatment.
* Patient demographics and relevant medical history.* Specimen collection date and time.* Specimen type and source.* Microorganism identification report.* List of antimicrobial agents tested.* Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for each agent.* Interpretation of results (susceptible, intermediate, resistant).* Clinician's interpretation and treatment plan.
** This code represents only the macrobroth dilution method of antimicrobial susceptibility testing.Other methods have separate CPT codes.The results should always be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and patient-specific factors.
- Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER)
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A technical component (TC) modifier does not apply to this code, as it's a complete laboratory procedure.
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Microbiology, Pathology
- Place of Service:Laboratory, Hospital, Physician's Office