PPM stands for Provider Performed Microscopy.

• A. Patient Performed Microscopy
• B. Provider Performed Microscopy
• C. Provider-Performed Medical Procedures
• D. Procedure Performed Microscopy

Answer: (B)

PPM stands for Provider Performed Microscopy. This term is used in coding and documentation to indicate that the clinician performed the microscopic examination of a specimen during the patient encounter, typically in the office or clinic—examples include wet mounts, Gram stains, or KOH preps. It distinguishes the on-site provider work from microscopy done by a separate laboratory or by the patient themselves. The other phrasings don’t reflect the standard terminology used in practice; they either describe who performs the test incorrectly or use nonstandard wording.