How To Use CPT Code 87185

CPT 87185 describes the procedure for susceptibility studies, specifically the detection of enzymes such as beta lactamase, which can interfere with the effectiveness of certain antibiotics. 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 87185?

CPT 87185 can be used to describe the procedure for susceptibility studies, specifically the detection of enzymes such as beta lactamase. This code is used when a lab analyst performs the technical steps to evaluate a culture isolate’s susceptibility to certain antimicrobial agents by detecting the organism’s production of a specific enzyme.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87185 is: ‘Susceptibility studies, antimicrobial agent; enzyme detection (eg, beta lactamase), per enzyme.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs steps such as inoculating a fresh agar plate prepared with specific components to screen for a specific enzyme, such as beta lactamase screening agar.
2. After incubating the enzyme screening agar for a specified time period, the lab analyst evaluates the test plate for evidence of enzyme activity based on factors specific to the test, such as growth, no growth, or color change in the medium.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87185 is used when clinicians order this test to aid in the selection of an appropriate antibiotic to treat an infection with the organism isolated from the patient. This test helps identify organisms that may be resistant to certain antibiotics based on enzyme activity, guiding the clinician’s treatment plan for conditions such as wound infections.

5. When to use CPT code 87185

CPT code 87185 should be used when a susceptibility study is performed to detect specific enzymes, such as beta lactamase, that may interfere with the effectiveness of certain antibiotics. This code is used to report the detection of each enzyme.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87185, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Specific enzyme detected, such as beta lactamase
• Date of the test
• Results of the test, including factors specific to the test such as growth, no growth, or color change in the medium

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87185, ensure that the procedure performed is the detection of a specific enzyme, such as beta lactamase. This code should be reported for each enzyme detected. It is important to distinguish this susceptibility study method from other methods described by codes 87181 to 87184 and 87186 to 87190.

8. Historical information

CPT 87185 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2001. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst detects the presence of beta lactamase in a culture isolate, indicating potential resistance to certain antibiotics.
2. During a susceptibility study, the lab analyst identifies the production of an enzyme that interferes with the effectiveness of a specific antibiotic.
3. A culture isolate is tested for enzyme activity, and the lab analyst confirms the presence of beta lactamase.
4. Using the enzyme detection method, the lab analyst determines that the organism produces an enzyme that renders certain antibiotics ineffective.
5. After performing a susceptibility study, the lab analyst detects the presence of an enzyme that may impact the choice of antibiotic for treating the infection.
6. During the detection of beta lactamase, the lab analyst observes a color change in the medium, indicating the presence of the enzyme.
7. A culture isolate is screened for enzyme activity, and the lab analyst confirms the absence of beta lactamase.
8. Using the enzyme detection method, the lab analyst determines that the organism does not produce the enzyme that interferes with certain antibiotics.
9. After performing a susceptibility study, the lab analyst does not detect the presence of an enzyme that would affect the choice of antibiotic for treating the infection.
10. During the detection of a specific enzyme, the lab analyst observes no growth on the test plate, indicating the absence of the enzyme.