2025 CPT code 87205
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Laboratory - Microbiology Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Procedures Feed
Microscopic examination of a smear from a primary source (e.g., wound, sputum) using Gram or Giemsa stain, with interpretation.
Modifiers 59 (distinct procedural service) and 91 (repeat test) may be applicable.
Medical necessity is established when there is a clinical indication for identifying the presence or absence of microorganisms in a specimen to guide appropriate diagnosis and treatment.Examples include suspected infections, pre-surgical assessment, and monitoring response to therapy.
The clinical laboratory technician or technologist performs all aspects of the test, from specimen handling to microscopic examination and interpretation of results. The ordering physician uses the results to guide diagnosis and treatment.
In simple words: A lab technician examines a sample from your body (like a wound or sputum) under a microscope after staining it to identify bacteria, fungi, or other cells. The results help determine if you have an infection.
This CPT code encompasses the microscopic examination of a smear prepared directly from a primary source specimen (such as a wound, aspirate, sputum, or other material collected directly from the patient's body).The smear is stained using either a Gram stain or a Giemsa stain, depending on the clinical indication.The procedure includes the preparation of the smear, application of the stain, microscopic examination, and interpretation of the results. Gram staining differentiates Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, revealing information about bacterial morphology, quantity, and presence of yeast or fungal elements. Giemsa staining is used to identify various cell types, including mast cells, Chlamydia, and fungi.
Example 1: A patient presents with a suspected wound infection. A Gram stain is performed on a wound swab to quickly identify the causative organism and guide antibiotic therapy before culture results are available., A patient with suspected pneumonia provides a sputum sample. A Gram stain is performed to assess for the presence of bacteria and guide initial treatment choices., A patient with conjunctivitis undergoes a Giemsa stain of a conjunctival swab to assess for Chlamydia infection.
The requisition should specify the type of stain (Gram or Giemsa) requested.Documentation should include the source of the specimen, date and time of collection, and the clinical indication for the test. The report should include a description of the microscopic findings and interpretation.
** This code is used for the microscopic examination of smears prepared from primary sources. The selection of Gram or Giemsa stain depends on the clinical question.Interpretation of the results is an integral part of the procedure.
- Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER)
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Specialties:Pathology, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Pulmonology, Wound Care
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital, Laboratory, Urgent Care Facility