87003 Small animal inoculation
Also known as: Animal inoculation, Small animal culture, In vivo culture
Microbiologic specimen inoculation into small laboratory animals for organism detection and identification. Uses animal models for culture.
In Plain Language
Animal testing for infection
Clinical Context
Used rarely for organisms difficult to culture by conventional methods. Involves inoculation of mice, guinea pigs, or rabbits with patient specimen.
RVU Information
CPT 87003 does not have a physician work RVU assigned by CMS. Reimbursement for this code is determined by payer-specific fee schedules.
Billing & Documentation
Lab and pathology codes require an order from the treating provider with clinical indication. For molecular pathology and genetic testing, document the specific analytes tested and clinical rationale.
How This Code Compares
This code has a work RVU of 0.00, meaning it does not have a physician work component assigned by CMS. In the Pathology & Lab category, 94% of codes share this characteristic.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 87003?
CPT 87003 (Small animal inoculation) is a Pathology & Lab code. Microbiologic specimen inoculation into small laboratory animals for organism detection and identification. Uses animal models for culture.
Who uses CPT code 87003?
CPT 87003 is used by Microbiology, Pathology. Used rarely for organisms difficult to culture by conventional methods. Involves inoculation of mice, guinea pigs, or rabbits with patient specimen.
When is CPT 87003 used?
Used rarely for organisms difficult to culture by conventional methods. Involves inoculation of mice, guinea pigs, or rabbits with patient specimen.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.