CPT Code Lookup Tool
Use this free CPT Lookup Tool to search for Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, descriptions, and related details — designed to help streamline and simplify your medical billing process.
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Office or other outpatient visit
Evaluation and management of an established patient...
Information
This code is for use in medical billing and coding.
Information
This code is part of the section of CPT codes.
Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management...
Note
This description reflects the 2021 E/M coding guidelines.
Information
codes are used to report evaluation and management services provided in various settings.
Information
RVUs are used to determine the fee for a service under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.
Information
This code is commonly used by primary care providers, but may be used by any specialty providing office visits.
Significant, separately identifiable E/M service
Information
Modifiers provide additional information about the service provided.
Detail About CPT 87210
Related Codes Table
| CPT Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 87220 | Smear, primary source with interpretation; Gram stain for bacteria, fungi, or parasites (if appropriate) |
| 87230 | Smear, primary source with interpretation; acid-fast stain for mycobacteria (e.g., Ziehl-Neelsen, Kinyoun) |
| 87240 | Smear, primary source with interpretation; fluorescent and/or acid-fast stain for mycobacteria (e.g., auramine-rhodamine) |
| 87250 | Smear, primary source with interpretation; trichrome stain for microsporidia and other parasites |
| 87260 | Smear, primary source with interpretation; Wright-Giemsa or Giemsa stain for blood or bone marrow parasites (e.g., malaria, trypanosomes) |
Commonly Billed With
CPT code 87210 is commonly billed with codes such as 87070 (Culture, bacterial; any other source except urine, blood or stool) and 87220 (Gram stain for bacteria, fungi, or parasites).
Clinical Scenarios
Scenario 1: Infectious Disease Evaluation
In cases where infectious agents are suspected, CPT code 87210 may be used to perform a wet mount examination to identify the presence of infectious agents.
Scenario 2: Dermatological Assessment
Dermatologists often use CPT code 87210 to examine skin samples for the presence of infectious agents using various staining techniques.
Scenario 3: Ophthalmologic Testing
Ophthalmologists may utilize CPT code 87210 to perform wet mounts on eye samples to detect infectious agents like fungi or parasites.
FAQ
Can CPT code 87210 be used for viral infections?
No, CPT code 87210 is primarily used for detecting bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections through wet mount examinations.
Is KOH prep included in CPT code 87210?
Yes, CPT code 87210 includes wet mounts for infectious agents such as those prepared with KOH (potassium hydroxide).
What is the difference between CPT codes 87210 and 87070?
CPT code 87070 is used for bacterial culture while CPT code 87210 involves microscopic examination of samples for infectious agents.
When should India ink prep be performed under CPT code 87210?
India ink preparations are typically used to detect cryptococcal infections and can be included under CPT code 87210 when indicated.
Are additional stains like Gram stain separately billable with CPT code 87210?
No, additional stains like Gram stain are not separately billable when performed in conjunction with the services covered by CPT code 87210.
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