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The Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccine (BCG) is a live vaccine specifically designed to provide active immunity against tuberculosis, a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Unlike immune globulins, which offer short-term, passive immunity, vaccines like BCG stimulate the recipient's immune system to produce its own antibodies, leading to long-term protection. This process involves exposing the immune system to a weakened form of the pathogen, allowing the body to "remember" how to respond effectively upon future exposure to the actual disease-causing organism. The BCG vaccine is derived from a live, attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis, which is a type of bovine tuberculosis. This strain has been cultured in a controlled environment for an extended period, rendering it nonvirulent to humans while still capable of eliciting an immune response. In addition to its primary use in preventing tuberculosis, the BCG vaccine has also been utilized in the treatment of bladder cancer, although the exact mechanisms by which it exerts its effects in oncology remain partially understood. The CPT® Code 90585 specifically refers to the administration of the live BCG vaccine for percutaneous use, while a different code, 90586, is designated for instances where the vaccine is instilled directly into the bladder via catheter for cancer treatment. It is important to note that these codes are strictly for reporting the vaccine product itself.
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The Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccine (BCG) is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for administering the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccine (BCG) involves several key steps:
Post-procedure care for patients receiving the BCG vaccine includes monitoring for any adverse reactions, which may include localized swelling, redness, or systemic symptoms such as fever. Patients should be informed about potential side effects and the importance of reporting any unusual symptoms. For those receiving the vaccine for bladder cancer, follow-up appointments are necessary to assess the treatment's effectiveness and monitor for any recurrence of cancer. Additionally, patients may be advised on hydration and other supportive measures to enhance recovery and minimize discomfort following the procedure.
| Short Descr | BCG VACCINE PERCUT | Medium Descr | BACILLUS CALMETTE-GUERIN VACC FOR TB LIVE PERQ | Long Descr | Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccine (BCG) for tuberculosis, live, for percutaneous use | Related Drugs | BCG VACCINE | Status Code | Excluded from Physician Fee Schedule by Regulation | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 9 - Not Applicable | Multiple Procedures (51) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Co-Surgeons (62) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Team Surgery (66) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Items and Services Not Billable to the MAC | Type of Service (TOS) | 1 - Medical Care | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | O1G - Immunizations/Vaccinations | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 228 - Prophylactic vaccinations and inoculations |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 1999-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1999. |
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