How To Use CPT Code 87045

CPT 87045 describes the procedure for a bacterial stool culture, specifically for the isolation and preliminary examination of Salmonella and Shigella species. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 87045?

CPT 87045 can be used to describe the procedure for a bacterial stool culture, specifically for the isolation and preliminary examination of Salmonella and Shigella species. This code is used when a lab analyst performs the necessary steps to identify these intestinal pathogens in a stool sample.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87045 is: ‘Culture, bacterial; stool, aerobic, with isolation and preliminary examination (eg, KIA, LIA), Salmonella and Shigella species.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst receives a stool sample and performs an aerobic bacterial culture.
2. The analyst isolates possible pathogens, specifically Salmonella and Shigella species.
3. A preliminary examination is conducted to determine the presence of these pathogens.
4. The culture plates are examined for bacterial colonies that exhibit typical features of Salmonella and Shigella, such as color changes on specific agar media.
5. The analyst records the results and prepares the necessary documentation.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87045 is used when a stool culture is performed to isolate and examine Salmonella and Shigella species. This procedure is typically ordered for patients, especially children, who present symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, or fever.

5. When to use CPT code 87045

CPT code 87045 should be used when a bacterial stool culture is performed specifically for the isolation and preliminary examination of Salmonella and Shigella species. It is important to note that this code is not appropriate for cultures targeting other organisms.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87045, the documentation should include:

• Indication for the stool culture and the need to isolate Salmonella and Shigella species
• Details of the culture procedure, including the use of selective media
• Date and time of the culture
• Results of the preliminary examination
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87045, ensure that the procedure performed matches the description of the code. It is important to note that CPT 87045 should not be reported with other codes unless specified by specific billing guidelines. It is also recommended to review any additional tips or guidelines provided by the payer or coding resources.

8. Historical information

CPT 87045 has undergone several changes since its addition to the Current Procedural Terminology system. These changes include modifications to the description and the addition of related codes. It is important to stay updated with the latest coding guidelines and revisions.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs a bacterial stool culture to isolate and examine Salmonella and Shigella species in a patient with bloody diarrhea.
2. A stool sample is received from a child with stomach cramps, and the lab analyst conducts a bacterial culture to identify the presence of Salmonella and Shigella.
3. During a routine check-up, a physician orders a bacterial stool culture to rule out the presence of Salmonella and Shigella in a patient with fever.
4. A lab analyst performs a bacterial stool culture on a sample from a patient with suspected food poisoning to identify the causative pathogens, including Salmonella and Shigella.
5. Following an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness, a public health agency requests a bacterial stool culture to determine if Salmonella and Shigella are responsible for the cases.
6. A patient with persistent diarrhea undergoes a bacterial stool culture to investigate the presence of Salmonella and Shigella as potential causes.
7. A lab analyst performs a bacterial stool culture on a sample from a traveler returning from a high-risk region to screen for the presence of Salmonella and Shigella.
8. As part of a research study, stool samples from multiple patients are collected and subjected to bacterial culture to identify the prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella species.
9. A pediatrician orders a bacterial stool culture for a child with recurrent abdominal pain to investigate the possibility of Salmonella and Shigella infection.
10. A patient with a compromised immune system undergoes a bacterial stool culture to monitor for the presence of Salmonella and Shigella as potential opportunistic infections.