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    v1.0.30
    OpenPayerBilling CodesPrimary Source Smear ProceduresCPT cpt-87210-wet-mount-preparation-microscopy
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    CPT 87210: Wet Mount Preparation and Microscopic Examination

    CPT code 87210 describes a wet mount preparation performed by a lab analyst or microbiologist in which specimen material collected on a swab or placed directly on a microscope slide is prepared and examined microscopically; this is a diagnostic microbiology procedure typically provided as an in-laboratory pathology/microbiology service with the typical site of service being a clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Ambulance and Medical Transport Services (Ground, Air and Water) Corporate Medical Policy, Emergency Air/Water Ambulance Services Medical Guideline, Non-Emergent Ambulance Services.

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A patient presents to an outpatient clinic with vulvovaginal itching, abnormal vaginal discharge, and dysuria. The clinician collects a vaginal swab at the point of care and sends the specimen to the on-site laboratory. A clinical laboratory technologist or microbiologist performs a wet mount preparation (87210) by placing the specimen on a microscope slide with saline (and potassium hydroxide if indicated) to evaluate for motile trichomonads, clue cells, yeast, and presence of white blood cells. Results are documented in the laboratory report and communicated to the ordering provider for treatment planning. Typical site of service is an ambulatory clinic or hospital outpatient laboratory; specimen may be collected in the clinic exam room and processed in a nearby lab. Patient encounter includes history, specimen collection, slide preparation, microscopic examination, and result reporting.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    87070Culture, bacterial; any other source except urine, with isolation and presumptive identification of isolatesMay be ordered if wet mount suggests bacterial vaginosis or other bacterial infection requiring culture.
    87481Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Trichomonas vaginalis, amplified probe techniquePerformed when more sensitive molecular testing for trichomonas is indicated after or instead of wet mount.
    87800Infectious agent antigen detection by immunoassay technique, qualitative; Trichomonas vaginalisAlternative point-of-care test for trichomonas when wet mount sensitivity is inadequate.
    87205Smear, primary source with interpretation; performed by clinician, uncomplicatedRelated microscopic evaluation codes for direct smears performed outside a full laboratory wet mount workflow.
    99000Handling and/or conveyance of specimen to a laboratory (when applicable)Ancillary service code sometimes used for specimen handling logistics in outpatient settings.

    Related Modifiers

    9 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    25CPT modifier 25 indicates that on the same day as another procedure or service, the same physician or other qualified health care professional provided a significant, separately identifiable…- When to apply: Use modifier 25 only on an E/M code to indicate the same provider delivered a significant, separately identifiable E/M service on the same day as another procedure or service — i.e.,…
    26Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
    59Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
    76Modifier -76, Repeat Procedure or Service by Same Physician or Other Qualified Health Care Professional, is appended when the same provider performs an identical, medically necessary procedure or…- Use modifier -76 when the same physician or other qualified health care professional performs an identical procedure or service a second (or subsequent) time on the same date of service and the…
    77Modifier 77 indicates that a previously performed procedure or service was legitimately repeated by a different physician or other qualified health care professional. The AMA’s CPT definition…- Use modifier 77 when a basic procedure or service already performed is repeated by a different physician or other qualified health care professional (for example, a second provider independently…
    90Modifier ‑90 (Reference/Outside Laboratory) indicates that a laboratory test was performed by an entity other than the treating or reporting provider. The American Medical Association defines…- Use CPT modifier -90 when a laboratory test is performed by an outside/reference laboratory (an entity other than the treating or reporting physician or qualified professional) and the claim needs…
    91Modifier 91 — “Repeat Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Test” — is appended when the exact same CPT laboratory test is performed more than once for the same patient on the same day because serial,…- Use modifier 91 when the exact same CPT laboratory test is performed more than once on the same patient on the same date because serial or repeated testing is medically necessary to monitor…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    207R00000X
    208000000X
    207L00000X
    208D00000X
    363A00000X
    133VN1401X
    207VC0300X
    2251P0200X

    Related ICD-10-CM Codes

    27 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    A54.00Gonococcal infection of lower genitourinary tract, unspecified
    A54.01Gonococcal cystitis and urethritis, unspecified
    A54.02Gonococcal vulvovaginitis, unspecified
    A56.01Chlamydial cystitis and urethritis
    A56.02Chlamydial vulvovaginitis
    A59.01Trichomonal vulvovaginitis
    A60.04Herpesviral vulvovaginitis
    B37.1Pulmonary candidiasis
    H61.23Impacted cerumen, bilateral
    J02.9Acute pharyngitis, unspecified

    Showing 1–10 of 27

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Emergency & Medical Transportation1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Ambulance and Medical Transport Services (Ground, Air and Water) Corporate Medical Policybcbsvermont2026-10-01
    Emergency Air/Water Ambulance Services Medical GuidelineWPS Health Insurance2026-10-01
    Non-Emergent Ambulance ServicesConnectiCare2026-09-11
    Fixed Wing Air Ambulance TransportCigna2026-08-15
    Air AmbulanceAmbetter Georgia2026-08-01
    Ambulance Services (for New Mexico Only)UnitedHealthcare2026-08-01
    Ambulance Services (for Tennessee Only)UnitedHealthcare2026-08-01
    Clinical Policy: Air AmbulanceAmbetter Nevada2026-08-01
    Air AmbulanceCentene2026-08-01
    Clinical Policy: Air AmbulanceArizona Complete Health2026-08-01

    Related Codes

    CPT-87205-GRAM-GIEMSA-STAIN-PRIMARY-SOURCE

    CPT 87205: Gram or Giemsa Stain with Interpretation

    CPT-87206-FLUORESCENT-ACID-FAST-STAIN-MICROSCOPY

    CPT 87206: Fluorescent/Acid-Fast Stain Microscopy

    CPT-87207-SLIDE-ANALYSIS-FOR-INCLUSION-BODIES-PRIMARY-SOURCE

    CPT 87207: Slide Analysis for Inclusion Bodies

    CPT-87209-OVA-AND-PARASITE-COMPLEX-SPECIAL-STAIN

    CPT 87209: Complex Special Stain for Ova and Parasites

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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