How To Use CPT Code 87106
CPT 87106 describes the definitive identification of a yeast organism through culture, using additional tests to identify the organism to the level of species. 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 87106?
CPT 87106 can be used to describe the definitive identification of a yeast organism through culture. After a yeast has been presumptively identified using specific tests, additional tests are performed to definitively identify the organism to the level of species. These additional tests may include biochemical panels or slide cultures, which provide more specific information about the organism.
2. Official Description
The official description of CPT code 87106 is: ‘Culture, fungi, definitive identification, each organism; yeast.’
3. Procedure
- Following the initial culture and presumptive identification of a yeast organism, the lab analyst performs additional tests to definitively identify the organism to the level of species.
4. Qualifying circumstances
CPT 87106 is used when there is a need to definitively identify a yeast organism. This test may be ordered by clinicians to aid in the specific diagnosis of conditions caused by yeast, such as candidemia or oral thrush. The test is performed after the yeast has been isolated from an initial culture procedure, which is billed using a separate code.
5. When to use CPT code 87106
CPT code 87106 should be used when there is a need to definitively identify a yeast organism to the level of species. It is important to note that this code should be reported in addition to the code for the initial presumptive identification of the yeast organism.
6. Documentation requirements
To support a claim for CPT 87106, the following documentation is required:
- Presumptive identification of the yeast organism
- Specific tests performed to definitively identify the organism
- Results of the tests, including the genus and species of the yeast organism
7. Billing guidelines
When billing for CPT 87106, ensure that the test is performed to definitively identify a yeast organism. It is important to report this code in addition to the code for the initial presumptive identification of the yeast organism. If additional tests involve molecular techniques, chromatography, or immunologic methods, do not use CPT 87106. Instead, refer to more specific culture typing codes in the range 87140-87158.
8. Historical information
CPT 87106 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
- A lab analyst performs additional tests to definitively identify a yeast organism isolated from a culture procedure.
- Following the presumptive identification of a yeast organism, the lab analyst performs additional tests to definitively identify the organism to the level of species.
- Using specific tests, the lab analyst definitively identifies a yeast organism to the genus and species level.
- After isolating a yeast organism, the lab analyst performs additional tests to definitively identify the organism, providing more specific information about its characteristics.
- Through culture and additional tests, the lab analyst definitively identifies a yeast organism, aiding in the specific diagnosis of a yeast-related condition.
