87040 Blood culture for bacteria
Also known as: Blood culture, Bacteremia culture, Sepsis workup
Bacterial culture of blood specimen using aerobic and anaerobic methodology. Standard blood culture for bacteremia detection.
In Plain Language
Infection detection from blood test; Sepsis testing
Clinical Context
Used in suspected bacteremia or sepsis to identify causative organism and determine antibiotic susceptibility. Primary culture method for infections.
RVU Information
CPT 87040 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 87040?
CPT 87040 (Blood culture for bacteria) is a Pathology & Lab code. Bacterial culture of blood specimen using aerobic and anaerobic methodology. Standard blood culture for bacteremia detection.
Who uses CPT code 87040?
CPT 87040 is used by Microbiology, Pathology, Infectious Disease. Used in suspected bacteremia or sepsis to identify causative organism and determine antibiotic susceptibility. Primary culture method for infections.
When is CPT 87040 used?
Used in suspected bacteremia or sepsis to identify causative organism and determine antibiotic susceptibility. Primary culture method for infections.
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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.