87116 Mycobacteria culture
Also known as: TB culture, AFB culture, Mycobacteria culture, tuberculosis culture
Culture of Mycobacteria organisms including Mycobacterium tuberculosis from sputum, cerebrospinal fluid, or tissue using liquid broth systems or solid agar media.
In Plain Language
tuberculosis test; acid-fast bacillus test
Clinical Context
Critical for tuberculosis diagnosis in patients with respiratory symptoms, constitutional symptoms, or known TB exposure. Also used for Mycobacterium avium complex identification in immunocompromised patients.
RVU Information
CPT 87116 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 87116?
CPT 87116 (Mycobacteria culture) is a Pathology & Lab code. Culture of Mycobacteria organisms including Mycobacterium tuberculosis from sputum, cerebrospinal fluid, or tissue using liquid broth systems or solid agar media.
Who uses CPT code 87116?
CPT 87116 is used by pathology, microbiology, pulmonology. Critical for tuberculosis diagnosis in patients with respiratory symptoms, constitutional symptoms, or known TB exposure. Also used for Mycobacterium avium complex identification in immunocompromised patients.
When is CPT 87116 used?
Critical for tuberculosis diagnosis in patients with respiratory symptoms, constitutional symptoms, or known TB exposure. Also used for Mycobacterium avium complex identification in immunocompromised patients.
Track This Code in RVU Edge
Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against national data — all in one app.
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.