How To Use CPT Code 87206

CPT 87206 describes the procedure for performing a smear test on a primary source specimen, with interpretation. 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 87206?

CPT 87206 can be used to describe the procedure of performing a smear test on a primary source specimen, with interpretation. This code is used when a healthcare professional uses a fluorescent stain, acid fast stain, or both to identify bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses, or cell types in the specimen.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87206 is: ‘Smear, primary source with interpretation; fluorescent and/or acid fast stain for bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses or cell types.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare professional collects a primary source specimen, such as from wounds, aspirations, or sputum.
2. A thin layer of the specimen is spread onto a microscope slide.
3. The healthcare professional dries or fixes the material onto the glass slide.
4. An acid fast stain is applied to the specimen, which involves using red carbolfuchsin stain and heat, followed by an acidic ethanol rinse.
5. In some cases, a fluorescent dye may also be applied to the specimen.
6. The healthcare professional observes the specimen under a microscope, looking for acid fast bacteria, AFB, and other pathogens.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87206 is used when a healthcare professional performs a smear test on a primary source specimen using fluorescent stain, acid fast stain, or both. This test is typically ordered by clinicians to identify bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses, or cell types in the specimen. The primary source specimen can include material collected directly from the body, such as wounds, aspirations, or sputum.

5. When to use CPT code 87206

CPT code 87206 should be used when a healthcare professional performs a smear test on a primary source specimen using fluorescent stain, acid fast stain, or both. This code is appropriate when the test is performed to identify bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses, or cell types in the specimen. It should not be used for other types of tests or procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87206, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Details of the primary source specimen collected
• The specific stains used (fluorescent, acid fast, or both)
• Date and time of the procedure
• Interpretation of the smear test results
• Signature of the healthcare professional performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87206, ensure that the procedure involves performing a smear test on a primary source specimen using fluorescent stain, acid fast stain, or both. Follow the appropriate coding guidelines and documentation requirements. It is important to note that CPT code 87206 should not be reported with other codes unless necessary. Consider the specific circumstances and consult the official coding guidelines for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 87206 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been historical changes to the code, including a code change on January 1, 2001, which modified the description to include fluorescent and/or acid fast stain for bacteria, fungi, or cell types.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare professional performs a smear test on a sputum specimen using fluorescent stain to identify acid fast bacteria.
2. A laboratory technician performs a smear test on a wound specimen using both fluorescent and acid fast stains to identify bacteria and fungi.
3. A pathologist performs a smear test on an aspiration specimen using fluorescent stain to identify cell types.
4. A healthcare professional performs a smear test on a primary source specimen using acid fast stain to identify parasites.
5. A microbiologist performs a smear test on a primary source specimen using both fluorescent and acid fast stains to identify viruses.
6. A healthcare professional performs a smear test on a sputum specimen using fluorescent stain to identify acid fast bacteria.
7. A laboratory technician performs a smear test on a wound specimen using both fluorescent and acid fast stains to identify bacteria and fungi.
8. A pathologist performs a smear test on an aspiration specimen using fluorescent stain to identify cell types.
9. A healthcare professional performs a smear test on a primary source specimen using acid fast stain to identify parasites.
10. A microbiologist performs a smear test on a primary source specimen using both fluorescent and acid fast stains to identify viruses.