How To Use CPT Code 87184

CPT 87184 describes the procedure for conducting susceptibility studies, specifically using the disk method with up to 12 antimicrobial agents. 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 87184?

CPT 87184 can be used to describe the procedure of conducting susceptibility studies using the disk method with up to 12 antimicrobial agents. This code is used when a lab analyst evaluates the culture isolate’s susceptibility to specific antimicrobial agents by placing disks containing each agent on an agar plate inoculated with the culture isolate.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87184 is: ‘Susceptibility studies, antimicrobial agent; disk method, per plate (12 or fewer agents).’ This code specifically refers to the disk method of conducting susceptibility studies, where up to 12 antimicrobial agents are tested on an agar plate.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst cultures, isolates, and specifically identifies the organism.
2. A fresh agar plate is inoculated with a standard concentration of the culture isolate.
3. Up to 12 disks, each containing a different antimicrobial agent, are placed onto the agar surface.
4. The plate is incubated for a specific time period to allow the antimicrobial agents to diffuse into the agar.
5. The lab analyst measures the zone of inhibition where no visible colony growth occurs, indicating the organism’s susceptibility to each agent.
6. The results are qualitative and help clinicians select an appropriate antibiotic for treating the patient’s infection.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87184 is used when conducting susceptibility studies on culture isolates to determine their susceptibility to specific antimicrobial agents. This procedure is typically ordered by clinicians to aid in selecting the most effective antibiotic for treating an infection caused by the isolated organism. The disk method is used, and up to 12 antimicrobial agents are tested on an agar plate.

5. When to use CPT code 87184

CPT code 87184 should be used when conducting susceptibility studies using the disk method with up to 12 antimicrobial agents. This code is appropriate when evaluating the susceptibility of culture isolates to specific antimicrobial agents to guide antibiotic treatment decisions.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87184, the documentation should include:

• Identification of the culture isolate
• List of the specific antimicrobial agents tested
• Date of the procedure
• Results indicating the zone of inhibition for each antimicrobial agent
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87184, ensure that the procedure involves the disk method and up to 12 antimicrobial agents. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting this code accurately. Additionally, consider any specific requirements from payers regarding documentation or additional codes that may need to be reported alongside CPT 87184.

8. Historical information

CPT 87184 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was later changed on January 1, 2001, from ‘Sensitivity studies, antibiotic; disk method, per plate (12 or fewer disks)’ to its current description.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performing susceptibility studies using the disk method to evaluate the effectiveness of different antimicrobial agents on a culture isolate.
2. Conducting a disk diffusion test to determine the susceptibility of a bacterial strain to various antibiotics.
3. Evaluating the zone of inhibition on an agar plate to assess the effectiveness of different antimicrobial agents against a specific organism.
4. Performing a disk diffusion assay to guide the selection of an appropriate antibiotic for treating a patient’s infection.
5. Conducting a susceptibility study using the disk method to determine the sensitivity of a culture isolate to different antimicrobial agents.
6. Evaluating the effectiveness of various antibiotics on a culture isolate by measuring the zone of inhibition on an agar plate.
7. Performing a disk diffusion test to assess the susceptibility of a bacterial strain to specific antimicrobial agents.
8. Conducting a susceptibility study using the disk method to guide antibiotic treatment decisions for a patient’s infection.
9. Evaluating the zone of inhibition on an agar plate to determine the effectiveness of different antimicrobial agents against a particular organism.
10. Performing a disk diffusion assay to select the most appropriate antibiotic for treating a patient’s infection based on the susceptibility of the culture isolate.