CPT® Code 87088 is used to report bacterial culture with isolation and presumptive identification of each isolate from urine. The test helps identify bacterial organisms recovered from a urine specimen and can support the evaluation of suspected urinary tract infections (UTIs).
The code is generally reported for each isolate identified when the applicable laboratory requirements are met.
Key Facts About CPT® 87088
- Service type: Microbiology laboratory testing
- Test: Bacterial culture with isolation and presumptive identification
- Specimen: Urine
- Purpose: Identify bacterial isolates recovered from urine
- Common specialty: Clinical laboratory
- Provider type: Laboratory or qualified healthcare professional
Common clinical uses:
- Suspected urinary tract infection
- Evaluation of urinary symptoms
- Identification of bacteria recovered from a urine culture
- Follow-up testing for patients with suspected or documented urinary infection
When to Use CPT® 87088
CPT 87088 may be reported when a urine culture results in the isolation and presumptive identification of a bacterial organism, with the service reported for each applicable isolate.
Examples:
- A urine culture grows a bacterial organism that requires presumptive identification
- A laboratory isolates multiple organisms and performs the applicable identification for each
- A clinician evaluates a patient with symptoms consistent with a urinary tract infection and urine culture testing is performed
The specific laboratory services performed should be documented to support the codes reported.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation supporting CPT 87088 should include:
- Patient identifiers and date of service
- Clinical indication for urine culture
- Urine specimen information
- Culture results
- Organism or organisms isolated
- Presumptive identification performed
- Relevant laboratory findings
- Laboratory authentication, when applicable
The record should support the culture and identification services reported and distinguish them from any additional testing performed.
Reimbursement and Coding Considerations
- CPT 87088 represents culture, bacterial; isolation and presumptive identification of each isolate, urine
- It may be reported based on the number of qualifying isolates identified
- Additional urine culture or susceptibility testing codes may apply when those services are separately performed and supported
- Medical necessity and coverage requirements vary by payer
- Practices should verify current payer-specific laboratory billing requirements before submitting claims
Accurate documentation of the specimen, culture findings, and organisms identified helps support appropriate coding and reimbursement.
How OptiMantra Supports Laboratory Result Documentation
OptiMantra helps practices organize laboratory results, diagnoses, clinical findings, and treatment plans within the patient's medical record.
With OptiMantra, providers can:
- Document indications for urine culture testing
- Record urine culture results and identified organisms
- Review laboratory findings within the patient chart
- Link laboratory findings to diagnoses and treatment plans
- Use customizable chart templates for consistent documentation
Try OptiMantra for free here!
Disclaimer: CPT® codes are maintained by the American Medical Association. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace official coding guidelines or payer policies.
