Summary & Overview
CPT 87070: Bacterial Culture from Non-Urine, Blood, or Stool Specimens
CPT code 87070 represents a bacterial culture performed on clinical specimens from sources other than urine, blood, or stool, with isolation and presumptive identification of bacterial isolates. This laboratory procedure is a cornerstone in the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases, providing critical information for clinicians to guide patient care. Nationally, this code is widely utilized across hospital and independent laboratory settings, reflecting its importance in routine and urgent clinical workflows.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, and UnitedHealthcare. The publication offers insights into payer coverage, policy updates, and clinical benchmarks relevant to 87070. Readers will gain an understanding of the code's clinical context, typical site of service, and its role in laboratory medicine. The summary also highlights related codes and modifiers commonly associated with bacterial culture procedures, supporting accurate billing and compliance.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of 87070, including its clinical applications, payer landscape, and connections to broader laboratory and microbiology services. Healthcare professionals, laboratory administrators, and policy analysts will find actionable information to support decision-making and operational planning.
CPT Code Overview
CPT code 87070 is used to report a bacterial culture from any source except urine, blood, or stool. This procedure involves the isolation and presumptive identification of bacterial isolates from clinical specimens, supporting the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases. The service falls under Microbiology/Pathology – Laboratory Procedures and is typically performed in a laboratory setting, such as Place of Service 19. This code is essential for clinicians seeking to identify bacterial pathogens from a variety of specimen types, enabling targeted treatment and infection control.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A patient presents to a clinic with symptoms such as sore throat, fever, or skin infection. The provider suspects a bacterial infection and collects a specimen from a source other than urine, blood, or stool (e.g., throat swab, wound swab, or skin lesion). The specimen is sent to the laboratory for aerobic bacterial culture using CPT code 87070. The laboratory isolates and presumptively identifies any bacterial organisms present. Results are reported to the provider to guide further clinical management, such as antibiotic selection.
Coding Specifications
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Modifier
26: Used to indicate the professional component of the laboratory service, typically when a physician or pathologist interprets the results. -
Modifier
59: Used to denote a distinct procedural service, such as when multiple cultures are performed from different sites or when the procedure is separate from other laboratory services.
| Modifier Code | Description |
|---|---|
26 | Professional Component |