Overview
CPT® Code 87070 is used to report bacterial cultures of clinical specimens excluding urine, blood, or stool, with aerobic isolation. This test is performed to identify and isolate bacterial pathogens from various specimens such as wound swabs, respiratory secretions, or body fluids.
The code reflects the laboratory testing itself; interpretation, identification of organisms, and patient counseling are billed separately.
Key Facts About CPT® 87070
- Service type: Clinical laboratory bacterial culture
- Provider type: Physicians, laboratories, and qualified healthcare professionals
- Medical services included: Bacterial culture with aerobic isolation
- Specimen type: Non-urine, non-blood, non-stool clinical specimens (e.g., swabs, fluids)
- Common clinical indications:
- Evaluation of wound infections or abscesses
- Detection of bacterial pathogens in respiratory or body fluid specimens
- Monitoring post-surgical infection sites
- Guiding antibiotic therapy based on culture results
When to Use CPT® 87070
CPT 87070 is appropriate when:
- A clinical specimen (other than urine, blood, or stool) is submitted for bacterial culture
- The test is medically necessary to diagnose or monitor bacterial infections
- Aerobic isolation of bacterial pathogens is performed
Examples:
- Culture of a wound swab from a patient with a suspected soft tissue infection
- Respiratory specimen culture to identify bacterial pneumonia pathogens
- Abscess fluid culture to guide antibiotic selection
Documentation Requirements
To properly support CPT 87070 billing, documentation should include:
- Patient identifiers and date of collection
- Type and source of the specimen
- Indication for bacterial culture (e.g., infection suspicion, post-op monitoring)
- Method used (aerobic isolation)
- Culture results and follow-up recommendations
Accurate documentation ensures proper reimbursement, compliance, and integration with the patient’s longitudinal record.
Reimbursement and Coding Considerations
- CPT 87070 is generally covered by commercial insurers, Medicare, and Medicaid when medically necessary
- Interpretation or susceptibility testing is not included and billed separately
- Modifier usage may be required if multiple cultures are performed on the same specimen
- Always verify payer-specific rules for lab testing and bundling
How OptiMantra Supports Bacterial Culture Management
OptiMantra’s integrated EMR and practice management system streamlines workflow for CPT 87070 testing:
With OptiMantra, providers can:
- Automatically link bacterial culture orders to the patient’s chart
- Track culture results and trends over time
- Document specimen type, clinical indications, and follow-up directly in the EMR
- Generate audit-ready, compliant billing codes
- Integrate culture results into broader patient care plans for infection management
By centralizing lab documentation, tracking, and billing, OptiMantra ensures accuracy, compliance, and smooth workflows for bacterial culture services.
Try OptiMantra for free here!
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