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    v1.0.30
    OpenPayerBilling CodesTissue Examination and Culture ProceduresCPT cpt-87230-toxin-detection-cell-tissue-culture-assay
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    CPT 87230: Toxin Detection by Cell/Tissue Culture

    CPT code 87230 describes a laboratory assay that detects a specific organism-produced toxin or poison (for example, Clostridium difficile toxin) using cell or tissue culture; this is a microbiology diagnostic test typically performed as a laboratory service in a clinical laboratory or hospital microbiology lab to identify toxin-mediated infections.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Destruction of Pre-Malignant Skin Lesions, Onychomycosis diagnostic testing and coverage, Treatment of Capillary Malformations (Port Wine Stains).

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A 68-year-old hospitalized patient with antibiotic-associated diarrhea and new-onset leukocytosis is suspected of having Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). The attending physician orders diagnostic tests to detect C. difficile toxin. A specimen of stool is collected and sent to the microbiology laboratory. The lab technologist performs a cell culture cytotoxicity neutralization assay (CCNA) — documented by 87230 — to detect toxin-mediated cytopathic effect on tissue culture cells. The workflow includes specimen receipt, verification, preparation of stool filtrate, inoculation onto cell monolayers, incubation with and without specific antitoxin, microscopic evaluation for cytopathic effect, and documentation of results in the laboratory information system. Results guide infection control, antimicrobial therapy decisions, and isolation precautions.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    87045Culture, bacterial; stool, continuous culture for enteric pathogensPerformed when culture-based detection of bacterial enteric pathogens is indicated alongside toxin testing.
    87493Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); C. difficile, direct probe technique (eg, hybridization)Alternative molecular diagnostic performed for direct detection of C. difficile toxin genes or organism; often ordered concurrently or instead of cytotoxicity assays.
    87498Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); multiple organisms (multiplex)Used when a multiplex panel for enteric pathogens is ordered in the same clinical workup for diarrhea.
    87086Culture, bacterial; urine, for screening and identificationExample of culture workup codes used in parallel laboratory workflows when multiple specimen types are processed (urine vs stool) — indicates laboratory procedural context.
    87070Culture, fungal; any other source except bloodMay be used when fungal testing is considered in an immunocompromised patient with gastrointestinal symptoms.

    Related Modifiers

    9 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    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…
    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…
    78CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…
    80CPT® Modifier 80 (Assistant Surgeon) is appended to a surgical CPT code when a physician (MD or DO) provides full, continuous assistance throughout the operative procedure. It is intended only for…- Use CPT Modifier -80 when a physician (MD or DO) serves as an assistant surgeon and provides full, continuous assistance throughout the entire operative procedure; append -80 to the surgical CPT…
    62Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
    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…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    363L00000X
    163WX0003X
    225C00000X
    251G00000X
    364S00000X
    2086P0122X
    124Q00000X
    246RM2200X

    Related ICD-10-CM Codes

    28 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    A02.0Salmonella enteritis
    A03.9Shigellosis, unspecified
    A04.71Enterocolitis due to Clostridium difficile, recurrent
    A04.72Enterocolitis due to Clostridium difficile, not specified as recurrent
    A04.8Other specified bacterial intestinal infections
    A04.9Bacterial intestinal infection, unspecified
    A05.0Foodborne staphylococcal intoxication
    A05.1Botulism food poisoning
    A05.8Other specified bacterial foodborne intoxications
    A06.9Amebiasis, unspecified

    Showing 1–10 of 28

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Dermatology1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Destruction of Pre-Malignant Skin LesionsAnthem2026-10-01
    Onychomycosis diagnostic testing and coverageOscar Health2026-10-01
    Treatment of Capillary Malformations (Port Wine Stains)universityofutahhealthplans2026-09-28
    AnzupgoCigna2026-09-15
    Zevaskyn Coverage for Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis BullosaCigna2026-09-01
    Topical Acne-Non-Retinoid ProductsCigna2026-08-15
    Dermatology - Vtama Drug Quantity Management Policy - Per DaysCigna2026-08-15
    Medical Necessity Guidelines: Acne and Rosacea Medicationsharvard pilgrim health care2026-08-11
    Dermatology - Anzupgo Prior Authorization PolicyCigna2026-08-05
    Light Therapy for Dermatologic Conditionsbcbsvermont2026-08-01

    Related Codes

    CPT-87220-KOH-MICROSCOPIC-FUNGAL-EXAMINATION

    CPT 87220: KOH Preparation and Direct Microscopic Exam for Fungal Elements

    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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