How To Use CPT Code 87209

CPT 87209 describes the procedure for a complex special stain performed by a lab analyst on a primary source specimen, such as stool, to detect the presence of parasite eggs and parasites. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 87209?

CPT 87209 can be used to describe the procedure performed by a lab analyst to smear a primary source specimen, such as stool, onto a microscope slide and apply a complex special stain to detect the presence of parasite eggs and parasites. The lab analyst then evaluates the stained slide under a microscope to identify any ova and parasites present.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87209 is: ‘Smear, primary source with interpretation; complex special stain (eg, trichrome, iron hematoxylin) for ova and parasites.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst smears a primary source specimen, such as stool, onto a microscope slide.
2. A fixative, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), is applied to the slide.
3. The lab analyst carries out multiple steps to stain the slide, which may include soaking it in an iodine and alcohol solution, washing it in an ethanol alcohol solution, and applying a complex special stain, such as trichrome or iron hematoxylin.
4. The stained slide is allowed to dry before a cover slip is applied.
5. The lab analyst observes the slide under a microscope to identify any ova and parasites present.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87209 is performed when there is a need to detect the presence of parasite eggs and parasites in a primary source specimen, such as stool. This procedure is commonly ordered to aid in the diagnosis of intestinal infection with parasitic protozoa and the eggs and larvae of parasitic worms. It is important to note that CPT 87209 is performed by a lab analyst.

5. When to use CPT code 87209

CPT code 87209 should be used when a lab analyst performs a complex special stain on a primary source specimen, such as stool, to detect the presence of parasite eggs and parasites. It is important to ensure that the staining procedure used is a complex special stain, such as trichrome or iron hematoxylin, and not a routine stain. Routine stains should be reported with different CPT codes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87209, the following documentation is required:

• Indication for performing the complex special stain
• Details of the staining procedure used, including the specific stain applied
• Date of the procedure
• Results of the evaluation, including the presence or absence of parasite eggs and parasites
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87209, ensure that the procedure is performed by a lab analyst. It is important to use the appropriate CPT code for the staining procedure performed. Additionally, it is important to note that CPT code 87209 should not be reported with other codes, such as CPT codes 98966 to 98968, which are telephone assessment and management services. It is also important to separately code the examination of a concentrated wet mount smear of stool using CPT code 87177, if performed.

8. Historical information

CPT 87209 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2006. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performing a complex special stain on a primary source specimen to detect the presence of parasite eggs and parasites.
2. A stool sample being smeared onto a microscope slide and stained with trichrome by a lab analyst to identify ova and parasites.
3. A lab analyst applying an iron hematoxylin stain to a primary source specimen slide to detect the presence of parasite eggs and parasites.
4. A microscope slide with a stool sample being stained with a complex special stain by a lab analyst to identify ova and parasites.
5. A lab analyst observing a stained slide under a microscope to identify the presence of parasite eggs and parasites in a primary source specimen.
6. A primary source specimen being smeared onto a microscope slide and stained with a complex special stain by a lab analyst to detect the presence of ova and parasites.
7. A lab analyst performing a complex special stain on a primary source specimen slide to identify the presence of parasite eggs and parasites.
8. A stool sample being stained with trichrome by a lab analyst to detect the presence of ova and parasites.
9. A lab analyst applying an iron hematoxylin stain to a microscope slide with a primary source specimen to identify the presence of parasite eggs and parasites.
10. A microscope slide with a stool sample being stained with a complex special stain by a lab analyst to detect the presence of ova and parasites.