How To Use CPT Code 87153

CPT 87153 describes the process of using nucleic acid sequencing methods to identify and categorize a previously isolated and identified organism. 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 87153?

CPT 87153 can be used to describe the process of using nucleic acid sequencing methods to identify and categorize a previously isolated and identified organism. This code is used when the lab analyst performs an analysis to determine the specific type of the organism, such as to the taxonomic level of type, using nucleic acid sequencing.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87153 is: ‘Culture, typing; identification by nucleic acid sequencing method, each isolate (eg, sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene).’ This code represents the steps taken to sequence nucleotides from a single culture isolate using nucleic acid sequencing methods.

3. Procedure

1. Following a separate procedure to culture, isolate, and specifically identify an organism, the lab analyst uses nucleic acid sequencing to further type the organism.
2. Nucleic acid sequencing involves various technical laboratory steps to identify the order of a sequence of nucleotides within a DNA or RNA molecule.
3. This sequencing process aids in identifying the isolated organism as a specific type, providing more specific information about the organism.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87153 is used when the lab analyst performs nucleic acid sequencing on a previously isolated and identified organism to categorize it more specifically, such as to the taxonomic level of type. This code is typically used after a separate procedure to culture, isolate, and specifically identify the organism to the genus and species level.

5. When to use CPT code 87153

CPT code 87153 should be used when the lab analyst performs nucleic acid sequencing to further type a previously isolated and identified organism. This code is not limited to a specific condition and can be used to aid in the specific type identification of various organisms.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87153, documentation should include:

• Documentation of the separate procedure to culture, isolate, and specifically identify the organism to the genus and species level
• Documentation of the nucleic acid sequencing process, including the specific nucleic acid sequencing method used
• Date and time of the nucleic acid sequencing analysis
• Results of the nucleic acid sequencing, indicating the specific type of the organism
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the nucleic acid sequencing

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87153, ensure that the nucleic acid sequencing is performed on a previously isolated and identified organism. This code should be reported in addition to the codes for the separate procedure to culture and identify the organism to the genus and species level. Do not report molecular pathology codes for this test.

8. Historical information

CPT 87153 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2010. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs nucleic acid sequencing on a previously isolated and identified organism to determine its specific type.
2. Nucleic acid sequencing is used to identify the specific type of an organism isolated from a patient’s blood culture.
3. A lab analyst uses nucleic acid sequencing to categorize a previously identified bacterium to the taxonomic level of type.
4. Nucleic acid sequencing is performed on an isolated organism to aid in the diagnosis of a specific infection.
5. A lab analyst uses nucleic acid sequencing to further type an organism, providing more specific information for research purposes.
6. Nucleic acid sequencing is performed on an organism to determine its genetic characteristics and compare it to other strains.
7. A lab analyst uses nucleic acid sequencing to identify the specific type of a virus isolated from a patient’s respiratory sample.
8. Nucleic acid sequencing is performed on an organism to assist in tracking the spread of a specific strain in a community.
9. A lab analyst uses nucleic acid sequencing to determine the specific type of a fungal isolate obtained from a patient’s skin culture.
10. Nucleic acid sequencing is performed on an organism to aid in the identification of a rare and potentially dangerous pathogen.