Use 87210 and 87210-59 per ACOG
Laboratory code 87210 Reporting Clarification
Can laboratory code 87210 (Smear, primary source with interpretation; wet mount for infectious agents [eg, saline, India ink, KOH preps]) be reported twice if a wet mount and KOH are performed?
CPT has provided coding guidance for this within the Microbiology subsection notes, which state "For multiple specimens/sites use modifier 59." Therefore, when a physician performs both a KOH and wet mount, he or she should report code 87210 twice with the modifier 59 (i.e., 87210, 87210 -59). The modifier 59 (Distinct Services) indicates that the second lab interpretation is distinct from the first and should be paid for separately. The KOH includes a whiff test which is why it is not appropriate to report code 87210 a third time if the whiff test is also performed.
It is always important to read the section notes of CPT which provide guidance for how some codes should be reported.
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