How To Use CPT Code 87661

CPT 87661 refers to the detection of Trichomonas vaginalis by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) using an amplified probe technique. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, billing guidelines, documentation requirements, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 87661.

1. What is CPT 87661?

CPT 87661 is a code used to describe the laboratory procedure for detecting the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis, a protozoan parasite, in a patient’s specimen using nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) and an amplified probe technique. This test is commonly ordered when a clinician suspects a sexually transmitted disease or when the patient presents with malodorous discharge from the genital tract.

2. 87661 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 87661 is: “Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Trichomonas vaginalis, amplified probe technique.”

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT 87661 involves the following steps:

1. Collection of a specimen from the patient, typically a urogenital swab (e.g., penile discharge swab or vaginal swab).
2. Preparation of the specimen for analysis.
3. Amplification of the specific RNA or DNA for Trichomonas vaginalis using techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
4. Assessment of the sample for the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis using a nucleic acid probe, which binds to the complementary sequence in the specimen through hybridization.
5. Visualization of the hybridization product using a labeled probe (e.g., radioactive or chemical tag).

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who are eligible to receive CPT code 87661 services include those who present with symptoms suggestive of a sexually transmitted disease, such as malodorous discharge from the genital tract, or when the clinician suspects Trichomonas vaginalis as a contaminant in the urine. Additionally, this test may be ordered as a confirmatory test if the suspected parasite is seen during a routine examination.

5. When to use CPT code 87661

CPT code 87661 should be used when billing for the laboratory procedure of detecting Trichomonas vaginalis using nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) and an amplified probe technique. This code is appropriate when the test is ordered by a clinician to diagnose or confirm the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis in a patient’s specimen.

6. Documentation requirements

Documentation supporting a claim for CPT 87661 should include the following information:

• Patient’s demographic information, including name, date of birth, and insurance information.
• Relevant clinical history and presenting symptoms that led to the ordering of the test.
• Specific details of the specimen collection, including the type of swab used and the anatomical site from which the specimen was obtained.
• Results of the test, including the presence or absence of Trichomonas vaginalis in the specimen.
• Interpretation of the test results by the ordering clinician and any subsequent treatment recommendations or referrals.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 87661, it is important to follow the appropriate guidelines and rules. If the laboratory performs a combined antigen test for multiple organisms using an amplified probe technique, only one test code should be reported, such as 87801 for multiple organisms. Additionally, for direct probe technique, use CPT code 87660, and for direct optical observation, use CPT code 87808.

8. Historical information

CPT 87661 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2014. There have been no updates to this code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 87661

Five similar codes to CPT 87661 and how they differ are as follows:

• CPT 87660: This code is used for the detection of Trichomonas vaginalis using a direct probe technique, rather than an amplified probe technique.
• CPT 87801: This code is used when a laboratory performs a combined antigen test for multiple organisms using an amplified probe technique.
• CPT 87808: This code is used for the detection of Trichomonas vaginalis by immunoassay with direct optical observation, rather than using a nucleic acid probe.
• CPT 87491: This code is used for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) using an amplified probe technique.
• CPT 87591: This code is used for the detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) using an amplified probe technique.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 87661 procedures:

1. A 25-year-old female presents with a malodorous vaginal discharge and pelvic pain. The clinician orders a Trichomonas vaginalis test using an amplified probe technique. The test is positive for Trichomonas vaginalis.
2. A 30-year-old male presents with penile discharge and dysuria. The clinician orders a Trichomonas vaginalis test using an amplified probe technique. The test is negative for Trichomonas vaginalis.
3. A 40-year-old female presents with a history of recurrent vaginal infections and a recent partner with a confirmed sexually transmitted infection. The clinician orders a Trichomonas vaginalis test using an amplified probe technique. The test is positive for Trichomonas vaginalis.
4. A 35-year-old male presents with urethral itching and a history of unprotected sexual encounters. The clinician orders a Trichomonas vaginalis test using an amplified probe technique. The test is negative for Trichomonas vaginalis.
5. A 28-year-old female presents with a malodorous vaginal discharge and lower abdominal pain. The clinician orders a Trichomonas vaginalis test using an amplified probe technique. The test is positive for Trichomonas vaginalis.
6. A 45-year-old male presents with penile discharge and a history of multiple sexual partners. The clinician orders a Trichomonas vaginalis test using an amplified probe technique. The test is positive for Trichomonas vaginalis.
7. A 32-year-old female presents with a malodorous vaginal discharge and a history of recurrent vaginal infections. The clinician orders a Trichomonas vaginalis test using an amplified probe technique. The test is negative for Trichomonas vaginalis.
8. A 38-year-old male presents with urethral itching and a recent partner with a confirmed sexually transmitted infection. The clinician orders a Trichomonas vaginalis test using an amplified probe technique. The test is positive for Trichomonas vaginalis.
9. A 27-year-old female presents with a malodorous vaginal discharge and dyspareunia. The clinician orders a Trichomonas vaginalis test using an amplified probe technique. The test is negative for Trichomonas vaginalis.
10. A 42-year-old male presents with penile discharge and a history of unprotected sexual encounters. The clinician orders a Trichomonas vaginalis test using an amplified probe technique. The test is negative for Trichomonas vaginalis.