Summary & Overview
CPT 87140: Immunofluorescence Characterization of Isolated Organism
CPT code 87140 covers immunofluorescence testing performed on a previously isolated and identified organism to refine its classification, often to a specific taxonomic type. This laboratory procedure supports clinical decision-making, infection control, epidemiologic tracking, and targeted therapy selection by providing more specific organism-level information than routine identification alone. Nationally, specialized organism characterization is a vital part of diagnostic microbiology workflows and laboratory reporting.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The analysis addresses coverage and coding considerations across major commercial payers and the Medicare program.
Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical context and appropriate site of service, common modifiers associated with lab billing, and where CPT code 87140 fits among related laboratory services. The publication summarizes coding intent, typical use cases in hospital and clinical laboratories, and highlights areas where payers commonly focus review efforts. Data not available in the input is noted when specific payer policy details, associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, and related codes are not provided.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 87140 describes an immunofluorescence test performed on a previously isolated and identified organism to further categorize the organism, for example to the taxonomic level of type. This service involves a laboratory analyst applying immunofluorescent techniques to characterize the organism beyond initial identification.
-
Service type: Laboratory diagnostic — immunofluorescence characterization of an isolated organism
-
Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory setting where isolated organisms are available for specialized testing
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A clinical laboratory receives a Gram-stained and culture-positive respiratory specimen from an inpatient with suspected viral or atypical bacterial infection. The microbiology technologist has isolated and preliminarily identified a suspected viral pathogen or bacterial species in culture. The laboratory performs an immunofluorescence assay to subtype or type the isolate (for example, differentiating influenza A subtypes, respiratory syncytial virus strains, or serotyping a bacterial isolate where immunofluorescence reagents exist). The workflow includes review of the patient chart and specimen requisition, retrieval of the isolated organism, preparation of slides or smears, application of fluorescent-labeled antibodies, incubation and washing steps, reading by fluorescence microscopy, documentation of results in the laboratory information system, and communication of a more specific organism classification to the ordering clinician for infection control and therapeutic decision-making. Typical sites of service are hospital clinical laboratories, independent diagnostic laboratories, and public health laboratories. A realistic patient scenario: a 68-year-old hospitalized patient with acute respiratory distress and worsening hypoxia has a bronchoalveolar lavage culture that grows a suspected viral agent; immunofluorescence testing is performed to type the virus to guide antiviral therapy and infection control precautions.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | When billing only the professional interpretation component if the laboratory charges are split between technical and professional components. |