How To Use CPT Code 87999

CPT 87999 describes a specific type of microbiology procedure that does not have a specific code. 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 87999?

CPT 87999 is used to report microbiology procedures that do not have a specific code. It is used when the lab analyst performs a microbiology procedure that is not represented by any of the standard and active CPT codes available. This code is used when there is no specific procedure or service code that accurately describes the service provided.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87999 is: ‘Unlisted microbiology procedure.’

3. Procedure

1. When performing a microbiology procedure that does not have a specific code, CPT 87999 should be used.
2. It is important to choose the unlisted procedure code when no specific procedure or service code exists to accurately describe the service provided.
3. When reporting CPT 87999, a cover letter should be submitted explaining the reason for choosing the unlisted code instead of a defined, active code.
4. The cover letter should also include one or more similar codes and compare the service to those codes to justify the claim amount being billed.
5. Operative notes or other relevant documentation should be included to strengthen the claim and avoid a possible denial.
6. Payers will consider claims with unlisted procedure codes on a case-by-case basis and determine payment based on the documentation provided.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87999 is used when there is no specific code available to accurately describe a microbiology procedure. It is important to note that CPT guidelines instruct against choosing a code that merely approximates the service provided. Instead, the unlisted procedure code should be used when no specific procedure or service code exists. It is crucial to provide a cover letter explaining the reason for choosing the unlisted code and include similar codes for comparison.

5. When to use CPT code 87999

CPT code 87999 should be used when performing a microbiology procedure that does not have a specific code. It should only be used when there is no other code available that accurately describes the service provided. It is important to follow CPT guidelines and not choose a code that only approximates the procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87999, the following documentation is required:

• A cover letter explaining the reason for choosing the unlisted code instead of a defined, active code
• One or more similar codes for comparison
• Operative notes or other relevant documentation to strengthen the claim and avoid a possible denial

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87999, it is important to follow the guidelines set forth by the payer. The unlisted procedure code should only be used when there is no specific code available to accurately describe the service provided. A cover letter should be submitted explaining the reason for choosing the unlisted code and including similar codes for comparison. Payers will consider claims with unlisted procedure codes on a case-by-case basis and determine payment based on the documentation provided.

8. Historical information

CPT 87999 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 a microbiology procedure that does not have a specific code, and CPT 87999 is used to report the service.
2. A microbiologist conducts a specialized microbiology procedure that is not represented by any of the standard CPT codes, and CPT 87999 is used to accurately describe the service provided.
3. A laboratory technician performs a unique microbiology procedure that does not have a specific code, and CPT 87999 is used to report the procedure.
4. A microbiology laboratory performs a specialized test that is not covered by any existing CPT codes, and CPT 87999 is used to report the service.
5. A microbiology technician conducts a complex microbiology procedure that does not have a specific code, and CPT 87999 is used to accurately describe the service provided.
6. A lab analyst performs a microbiology procedure that is not represented by any of the standard and active CPT codes available, and CPT 87999 is used to report the service.
7. A microbiologist conducts a unique microbiology procedure that does not have a specific code, and CPT 87999 is used to report the procedure.
8. A laboratory technician performs a specialized microbiology procedure that is not covered by any existing CPT codes, and CPT 87999 is used to accurately describe the service provided.
9. A microbiology laboratory performs a complex microbiology test that does not have a specific code, and CPT 87999 is used to report the service.
10. A microbiology technician conducts a specialized microbiology procedure that is not represented by any of the standard and active CPT codes available, and CPT 87999 is used to report the procedure.