How To Use CPT Code 87270

CPT 87270 describes the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis antigens using immunofluorescent technique. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 87270?

CPT 87270 can be used to detect the presence of specific Chlamydia trachomatis antigens using immunofluorescent technique. This code is used when a lab analyst performs all the necessary technical steps to assess the presence of these antigens in a primary source specimen obtained from the patient, such as a vaginal, nasal, eye, or rectal swab. The lab method may include mixing fluorescent tagged antibodies directed against the Chlamydia trachomatis antigens with the specimen and preparing slides to view under a fluorescence microscope. The lab analyst interprets the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection based on the pattern of fluorescence staining on the test slides.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87270 is: ‘Infectious agent antigen detection by immunofluorescent technique; Chlamydia trachomatis.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst receives a primary source specimen from the patient, such as a vaginal, nasal, eye, or rectal swab.
2. The lab analyst performs all the necessary technical steps to assess the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis antigens using immunofluorescent technique.
3. This may include mixing fluorescent tagged antibodies directed against the Chlamydia trachomatis antigens with the specimen and preparing slides for viewing under a fluorescence microscope.
4. The lab analyst interprets the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection based on the pattern of fluorescence staining on the test slides.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87270 is used when clinicians order the test to diagnose or rule out possible infection with Chlamydia trachomatis. This bacterium is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause various conditions, such as inflammation of the cervix and pelvis in women, or the prostate and urethra in men. It can also lead to fertility problems and be transmitted to a baby during childbirth, causing pneumonia or eye infections. The test is performed on primary source specimens, and it is important to note that it should not be used for testing culture isolates or for detecting antibodies.

5. When to use CPT code 87270

CPT code 87270 should be used when a lab analyst performs the immunofluorescent technique to detect Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in a primary source specimen. It should not be used for testing culture isolates or for detecting antibodies.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87270, documentation should include:

• Indication for the test, such as suspected Chlamydia trachomatis infection
• Details of the primary source specimen used for testing
• Description of the immunofluorescent technique performed
• Interpretation of the test results based on the pattern of fluorescence staining
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87270, ensure that the test is performed on a primary source specimen using immunofluorescent technique. It should not be reported for testing culture isolates or for detecting antibodies. If the lab analyst performs this test for different species or strains of the organism, each test should be separately reported with modifier 59, Distinct procedural service.

8. Historical information

CPT 87270 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1998, with a code change on January 1, 2001. There have been no further updates to the code since then.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs CPT 87270 on a vaginal swab specimen to detect Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in a patient with suspected infection.
2. Using immunofluorescent technique, a lab analyst performs CPT 87270 on a nasal swab specimen to assess the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in a patient with respiratory symptoms.
3. A lab analyst performs CPT 87270 on an eye swab specimen to detect Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in a patient with suspected eye infection.
4. Using immunofluorescent technique, a lab analyst performs CPT 87270 on a rectal swab specimen to assess the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in a patient with gastrointestinal symptoms.
5. A lab analyst performs CPT 87270 on a primary source specimen to detect Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in a patient with a history of sexual exposure.
6. Using immunofluorescent technique, a lab analyst performs CPT 87270 on a vaginal swab specimen to assess the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in a pregnant patient.
7. A lab analyst performs CPT 87270 on a nasal swab specimen to detect Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in a patient with recurrent respiratory infections.