How To Use CPT Code 87140

CPT 87140 describes the immunofluorescent method used to culture, type, and identify specific organisms. 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 87140?

CPT 87140 can be used to describe the immunofluorescent method used to culture, type, and identify specific organisms. This code is used when a lab analyst performs an immunofluorescence test on a previously isolated and identified organism to categorize it more specifically, such as to the taxonomic level of type.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87140 is: ‘Culture, typing; immunofluorescent method, each antiserum.’

3. Procedure

1. Following a separate procedure to culture, isolate, and specifically identify an organism, the lab analyst incubates the culture isolate with fluorescent-marker-tagged antibodies to a specific organism type.
2. If the specific antibodies attach to antigens on the isolated organism, the lab analyst can identify that the organism is that specific type.
3. One unit of CPT 87140 represents one antiserum test.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87140 is used when the lab analyst performs an immunofluorescent typing method to further type an organism that has already been cultured and identified to the genus and species level. This code is not limited to a specific condition and can be used for various organisms, such as Chlamydophila pneumonia, Chlamydia trachomatis, or many different viruses.

5. When to use CPT code 87140

CPT code 87140 should be used when the immunofluorescent method is employed to further type an organism that has already been cultured and identified. It should be reported in addition to the codes for the initial culture and identification procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87140, the documentation should include:

• Details of the initial culture and identification procedures
• Explanation of the need for further typing using the immunofluorescent method
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the test, indicating the specific type of organism identified
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87140, ensure that the immunofluorescent typing method is used after the initial culture and identification procedures. It is important to code the initial procedures separately and report CPT 87140 in addition to those codes. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 87140 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 87140 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 performs an immunofluorescent typing test on a previously isolated bacterium to determine its specific type.
2. An organism is cultured and identified to the genus and species level, and then the lab analyst uses the immunofluorescent method to further type the organism to a specific taxonomic level.
3. The immunofluorescent method is employed to identify the specific type of virus present in a patient’s sample.
4. Following the initial culture and identification procedures, the lab analyst performs an immunofluorescent typing test to categorize the isolated organism more specifically.
5. An organism is isolated and identified, and then the lab analyst uses the immunofluorescent method to determine its specific type.
6. After culturing and identifying an organism, the lab analyst performs an immunofluorescent typing test to further classify the organism.
7. The immunofluorescent method is used to identify the specific type of Chlamydia trachomatis in a patient’s sample.
8. A lab analyst performs an immunofluorescent typing test to determine the specific type of Chlamydophila pneumonia present in a patient’s sample.
9. Following the initial culture and identification procedures, the lab analyst uses the immunofluorescent method to further type the isolated organism.
10. An organism is cultured and identified, and then the lab analyst performs an immunofluorescent typing test to categorize it more specifically.