How To Use CPT Code 87077

CPT 87077 refers to the additional methods required for definitive identification of aerobic bacterial isolates. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 87077.

1. What is CPT 87077?

CPT 87077 is a code used to describe the additional methods required for definitive identification of aerobic bacterial isolates. This code is applicable when a lab analyst performs extra tests on a presumptively identified aerobic isolate to more specifically identify the organism, such as to the level of species. The purpose of these additional tests is to provide more accurate treatment options for the patient.

2. 87077 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 87077 is: “Culture, bacterial; aerobic isolate, additional methods required for definitive identification, each isolate.”

3. Procedure

The 87077 procedure involves the following steps:

  1. Isolation of aerobic bacteria from a patient’s sample using standard culture techniques.
  2. Presumptive identification of the isolated organism using a limited number and type of tests.
  3. Performing additional tests, such as biochemical panels or slide cultures, to definitively identify the organism to the level of species.
  4. Recording and reporting the results of the definitive identification tests.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Individuals eligible to receive CPT code 87077 services are those who have a presumptively identified aerobic bacterial isolate that requires further testing for definitive identification. This may include patients with infections caused by aerobic bacteria, where accurate identification of the causative organism is necessary for appropriate treatment.

5. When to use CPT code 87077

It is appropriate to bill the 87077 CPT code when additional tests are performed on a presumptively identified aerobic bacterial isolate to definitively identify the organism to the level of species. This code should be used for each isolate that requires definitive identification, regardless of the number of methods used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87077, the following information needs to be documented:

  • Patient’s demographic information, including name, date of birth, and medical record number.
  • Relevant clinical history and indication for the test.
  • Details of the sample collection, including date, time, and site of collection.
  • Results of the presumptive identification tests.
  • Details of the additional tests performed for definitive identification, including the methods used and the results obtained.
  • Final identification of the aerobic bacterial isolate, including the genus and species level.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 87077, it is important to follow these guidelines:

  • Report the code once for each isolate that requires definitive identification, regardless of the number of methods used.
  • Ensure that the documentation supports the need for additional testing and the results obtained.
  • Verify that the patient meets the qualifying circumstances for receiving CPT 87077 services.
  • Check for any payer-specific requirements or guidelines that may apply to billing for CPT 87077.

8. Historical information

CPT 87077 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2001. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 87077

Five similar codes to CPT 87077 and how they differentiate are:

  • CPT 87070: This code is used for the culture of bacteria from a specific source, without the need for additional methods for definitive identification.
  • CPT 87071: This code is used for the culture of anaerobic bacteria, without the need for additional methods for definitive identification.
  • CPT 87073: This code is used for the culture of bacteria with susceptibility studies, without the need for additional methods for definitive identification.
  • CPT 87075: This code is used for the culture of bacteria with additional methods required for definitive identification, but for anaerobic isolates instead of aerobic isolates.
  • CPT 87076: This code is used for the identification of bacteria using molecular methods, such as nucleic acid probes or sequencing.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 87077 procedures:

  1. A patient with a wound infection has a culture performed, and the aerobic isolate is presumptively identified as Staphylococcus. Additional tests are performed to definitively identify the species as Staphylococcus aureus.
  2. A patient with pneumonia has a sputum culture, and the aerobic isolate is presumptively identified as Streptococcus. Additional tests are performed to definitively identify the species as Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  3. A patient with a urinary tract infection has a urine culture, and the aerobic isolate is presumptively identified as Escherichia. Additional tests are performed to definitively identify the species as Escherichia coli.
  4. A patient with a skin infection has a culture performed, and the aerobic isolate is presumptively identified as Enterococcus. Additional tests are performed to definitively identify the species as Enterococcus faecalis.
  5. A patient with a respiratory infection has a bronchoalveolar lavage culture, and the aerobic isolate is presumptively identified as Pseudomonas. Additional tests are performed to definitively identify the species as Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
  6. A patient with a bloodstream infection has a blood culture, and the aerobic isolate is presumptively identified as Klebsiella. Additional tests are performed to definitively identify the species as Klebsiella pneumoniae.
  7. A patient with an ear infection has a culture performed, and the aerobic isolate is presumptively identified as Haemophilus. Additional tests are performed to definitively identify the species as Haemophilus influenzae.
  8. A patient with a bone infection has a culture performed, and the aerobic isolate is presumptively identified as Serratia. Additional tests are performed to definitively identify the species as Serratia marcescens.
  9. A patient with a joint infection has a culture performed, and the aerobic isolate is presumptively identified as Proteus. Additional tests are performed to definitively identify the species as Proteus mirabilis.
  10. A patient with a gastrointestinal infection has a stool culture, and the aerobic isolate is presumptively identified as Campylobacter. Additional tests are performed to definitively identify the species as Campylobacter jejuni.

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