Question:
What are the differences between the new 2026 codes 87182 and 87183?
Answer:
Category I codes 87182 and 87183 were added to provide specificity in susceptibility study testing, rather than reporting by methodology. Code 87182 refers to resistance-associated enzymes and uses a multiplex immunoassay to simultaneously screen for different carbapenemase enzymes, with results reported as either positive or negative. Code 87183 relates to resistance-associated genes and utilizes polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodology to detect the nucleic acid sequences of common carbapenemase gene families from an actively growing pure culture of a bacterial isolate.
This question was answered in our Coding Essentials for Laboratories. For more hot topics relating to laboratory services, please visit our store or call us at 1.800.252.1578, ext. 2.