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CPT 87197: Bacterial Titer for Antibiotic Susceptibility
CPT code 87197 denotes a laboratory test in which a lab analyst performs a bacterial titer on patient serum to determine susceptibility to a specific antibiotic dosage. This test informs clinical decision-making by identifying whether a bacterial isolate is likely to respond to a particular antibiotic concentration and supports targeted antimicrobial therapy. Nationally, accurate reporting of such diagnostic procedures is important for laboratory reimbursement, surveillance of antimicrobial resistance patterns, and appropriate antibiotic stewardship.
Key payers commonly reviewed in national analyses include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of the clinical role of the test, typical sites of service, common billing modifiers, and what is available in the input about payer coverage. The publication summarizes standard coding practices, lists common modifiers associated with laboratory services, and notes when input data fields are not provided.
The content provides clinical context for laboratory and infectious disease teams, coding and billing staff, and policy analysts who need a concise reference for CPT code 87197. Data not available in the input is identified as such where applicable.
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Billing Code Overview
CPT code 87197 describes a laboratory procedure in which a lab analyst performs a bacterial titer using patient serum to determine susceptibility to a specific antibiotic dosage. This service involves testing patient serum against bacterial organisms to assess whether a given antibiotic concentration is likely to inhibit or kill the organism.
Service type: Laboratory diagnostic test — antibiotic susceptibility/bacterial titer
Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory setting; specimen collection often occurs in outpatient clinics, hospitals, or ambulatory phlebotomy sites.