How To Use CPT Code 87084

CPT 87084 describes the process of screening for pathogenic organisms through culture, using a specific growth medium and estimating colony growth. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 87084?

CPT 87084 can be used to screen for pathogenic organisms by culturing a patient specimen on a specific growth medium. The lab analyst then estimates the level of colony growth using a density chart. This code is used when the clinician wants to identify the presence of a specific organism in a patient specimen and determine the degree of colony growth.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87084 is: ‘Culture, presumptive, pathogenic organisms, screening only; with colony estimation from density chart.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst applies the patient specimen to a growth medium designed to encourage the growth of a specific pathogenic organism.
2. The test dish containing the specimen and growth medium is held in controlled conditions for a specific period of time to allow microorganisms to grow in colonies.
3. The lab analyst estimates the level of colony growth using a density chart.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87084 is used when the clinician wants to screen for a specific pathogenic organism and estimate the degree of colony growth. This test is ordered when the clinical presentation suggests a specific organism, and the clinician wants to confirm or rule out its presence. The lab analyst performs this test instead of CPT 87081 when the clinician desires an estimation of colony growth in addition to a positive or negative result.

5. When to use CPT code 87084

CPT code 87084 should be used when the clinician wants to screen for a specific pathogenic organism and estimate the degree of colony growth. It is not limited to use for a specific condition but is ordered based on the clinical presentation and suspicion of a particular organism.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87084, the documentation should include:

• Patient’s clinical presentation and suspicion of a specific pathogenic organism
• Specific growth medium used for culturing
• Date and time of the procedure
• Estimation of colony growth using a density chart
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87084, ensure that the test is performed to screen for pathogenic organisms and estimate colony growth. It should not be reported with CPT codes 87081. Consider the location of the testing facility when coding this procedure, as it may affect how the test is billed.

8. Historical information

CPT 87084 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst cultures a urine specimen on a growth medium designed to screen for a specific pathogenic organism and estimates the level of colony growth using a density chart.
2. A clinician orders a throat swab culture to screen for a specific organism and determine the degree of colony growth.
3. A lab analyst performs a culture from a patient specimen using techniques and a specific culture medium that allows the growth of a specific organism and estimates colony growth using a density chart.
4. A clinician suspects the presence of a particular pathogenic organism and orders a culture to screen for its presence and estimate colony growth.
5. A lab analyst performs a culture on a specimen using a specific growth medium and estimates the level of colony growth using a density chart to determine the presence of a specific organism.
6. A clinician orders a culture to screen for a specific pathogenic organism and assesses the degree of colony growth using a density chart.
7. A lab analyst cultures a patient specimen on a growth medium designed to encourage the growth of a specific organism and estimates colony growth using a density chart.
8. A clinician suspects the presence of a specific pathogenic organism and orders a culture to screen for its presence and estimate the degree of colony growth.
9. A lab analyst performs a culture from a patient specimen using a specific growth medium and estimates the level of colony growth using a density chart to determine the presence of a specific organism.
10. A clinician orders a culture to screen for a specific pathogenic organism and assesses the degree of colony growth using a density chart.