How To Use CPT Code 0352U

CPT 0352U describes a proprietary laboratory analysis (PLA) test that is used to detect bacterial vaginosis-associated bacteria (BVAB-2, Atopobium vaginae, and Megasphera type 1) as well as Candida species (C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. dubliniensis), Candida glabrata/Candida krusei, and trichomonas vaginalis in vaginal-fluid specimens. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of CPT code 0352U.

1. What is CPT Code 0352U?

CPT 0352U is a proprietary laboratory analysis (PLA) code that is used to detect specific bacteria and fungi in vaginal-fluid specimens. This test can identify bacterial vaginosis-associated bacteria (BVAB-2, Atopobium vaginae, and Megasphera type 1) as well as Candida species (C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. dubliniensis), Candida glabrata/Candida krusei, and trichomonas vaginalis. It provides a result of “detected” or “not detected” for each of these organisms.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0352U is: ‘Infectious disease (bacterial vaginosis and vaginitis), multiplex amplified probe technique, for detection of bacterial vaginosis-associated bacteria (BVAB-2, Atopobium vaginae, and Megasphera type 1), algorithm reported as detected or not detected and separate detection of Candida species (C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. dubliniensis), Candida glabrata/Candida krusei, and trichomonas vaginalis, vaginal-fluid specimen, each result reported as detected or not detected.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst processes a vaginal fluid specimen using the Xpert® Xpress MVP cartridge and Cepheid’s GeneXpert instrument.
2. The automated system performs DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, and detection of the target genes.
3. The test uses a multiplex amplified probe technique to detect the bacterial targets (BVAB-2, Atopobium vaginae, and Megasphera type 1) and separate detection of Candida species (C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. dubliniensis), Candida glabrata/Candida krusei, and trichomonas vaginalis.
4. An algorithmic analysis is performed to determine if each organism is “detected” or “not detected.”

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 0352U is used for patients who exhibit symptoms of bacterial vaginosis or vaginitis, such as itching, odor, discharge, or pain. The test is designed to detect specific bacteria and fungi that are commonly associated with these conditions. It is important to note that this code is specific to the Xpert® Xpress MVP test from Cepheid® and should not be used for other similar tests.

5. When to use CPT code 0352U

CPT code 0352U should be used when a vaginal-fluid specimen is analyzed using the Xpert® Xpress MVP test from Cepheid®. It is appropriate to bill this code when the test is performed to detect the bacterial and fungal organisms listed in the code description. However, it should not be reported with other specific infectious agent detection codes, such as 87480, 87481, 87482, 87660, or 87661.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0352U, the following documentation is required:

• Patient’s symptoms or clinical indication for the test
• Date of the test
• Results of the test, including whether each organism was “detected” or “not detected”
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0352U, ensure that the test is performed using the Xpert® Xpress MVP cartridge from Cepheid®. Report one unit of this code for a single specimen analyzed on a single date of service. Do not report this test with similar Category I test code 81514. It is also important not to report specific infectious agent detection codes in addition to CPT code 0352U. Familiarize yourself with the specific billing guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate and appropriate reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0352U was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on October 1, 2022. As a relatively new code, there have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, and a vaginal-fluid specimen is analyzed using the Xpert® Xpress MVP test. The test detects BVAB-2, Atopobium vaginae, and Megasphera type 1, as well as Candida species and trichomonas vaginalis.
2. A patient with suspected vaginitis undergoes testing with the Xpert® Xpress MVP test. The test detects Candida species and trichomonas vaginalis, but not the bacterial targets listed in the code.
3. A patient with recurrent vaginal infections undergoes testing with the Xpert® Xpress MVP test. The test detects BVAB-2, Atopobium vaginae, and Megasphera type 1, as well as Candida species and Candida glabrata/Candida krusei.
4. A patient with symptoms of trichomoniasis undergoes testing with the Xpert® Xpress MVP test. The test detects trichomonas vaginalis, but not the bacterial targets or Candida species listed in the code.
5. A patient with no symptoms undergoes routine testing with the Xpert® Xpress MVP test. The test does not detect any of the organisms listed in the code.