87206 Smear fluorescent/acid stai
Also known as: acid-fast stain, AFB stain, fluorescent stain, Ziehl-Neelsen stain
Microscopic examination of stained smears using fluorescent stains and acid-fast stains to detect acid-fast bacteria, particularly Mycobacterium species.
In Plain Language
tuberculosis stain test; special bacteria stain
Clinical Context
Critical for rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum and other specimens. AFB staining is the first-line screening for tuberculosis.
RVU Information
CPT 87206 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 87206?
CPT 87206 (Smear fluorescent/acid stai) is a Pathology & Lab code. Microscopic examination of stained smears using fluorescent stains and acid-fast stains to detect acid-fast bacteria, particularly Mycobacterium species.
Who uses CPT code 87206?
CPT 87206 is used by pathology, microbiology, pulmonology. Critical for rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum and other specimens. AFB staining is the first-line screening for tuberculosis.
When is CPT 87206 used?
Critical for rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum and other specimens. AFB staining is the first-line screening for tuberculosis.
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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.