87210 Smear wet mount saline/ink
Also known as: wet mount, saline mount, India ink, wet preparation, motility test
Microscopic examination of unstained specimens using wet mount preparation with saline or India ink to observe motile organisms and cell morphology.
In Plain Language
wet slide microscope test
Clinical Context
Useful for detecting motile organisms including protozoa, flagellated parasites, and for visualizing capsules with India ink. Particularly valuable for cerebrospinal fluid and bodily fluids.
RVU Information
CPT 87210 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 87210?
CPT 87210 (Smear wet mount saline/ink) is a Pathology & Lab code. Microscopic examination of unstained specimens using wet mount preparation with saline or India ink to observe motile organisms and cell morphology.
Who uses CPT code 87210?
CPT 87210 is used by pathology, microbiology, clinical laboratory. Useful for detecting motile organisms including protozoa, flagellated parasites, and for visualizing capsules with India ink. Particularly valuable for cerebrospinal fluid and bodily fluids.
When is CPT 87210 used?
Useful for detecting motile organisms including protozoa, flagellated parasites, and for visualizing capsules with India ink. Particularly valuable for cerebrospinal fluid and bodily fluids.
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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.