How To Use CPT Code 87272

CPT 87272 describes the detection of Cryptosporidium 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 87272?

CPT 87272 can be used to describe the detection of Cryptosporidium antigens using immunofluorescent technique. This code is used when a lab analyst performs all technical steps to assess the presence of specific Cryptosporidium antigens in a primary source specimen, such as a stool specimen, using immunofluorescent technique. The lab method may include steps such as mixing fluorescent tagged antibodies directed against the Cryptosporidium antigens with the specimen and preparing slides to view with a fluorescence microscope. The lab analyst interprets whether the specimen demonstrates Cryptosporidium infection based on the pattern of fluorescence staining on the test slides.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87272 is: ‘Infectious agent antigen detection by immunofluorescent technique; cryptosporidium.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst receives a primary source specimen, such as a stool specimen, from the patient.
2. The lab analyst performs all technical steps to assess the presence of specific Cryptosporidium antigens using immunofluorescent technique.
3. This may include mixing fluorescent tagged antibodies directed against the Cryptosporidium antigens with the specimen.
4. The lab analyst prepares slides with the specimen and views them under a fluorescence microscope.
5. The lab analyst interprets the pattern of fluorescence staining on the test slides to determine if the specimen demonstrates Cryptosporidium infection.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87272 is used when a lab analyst performs the test to detect Cryptosporidium antigens using immunofluorescent technique. This test is typically ordered by clinicians to diagnose or rule out possible infection with Cryptosporidium, an intestinal protozoan parasite. The test is performed on primary source specimens, such as stool specimens, and should not be used for testing culture isolates. The lab analyst must interpret the presence of specific Cryptosporidium antigens based on the pattern of fluorescence staining on the test slides.

5. When to use CPT code 87272

CPT code 87272 should be used when a lab analyst performs the test to detect Cryptosporidium antigens using immunofluorescent technique on a primary source specimen, such as a stool specimen. This code should not be reported if other methods are used for testing the presence of Cryptosporidium antigens. Additionally, this code should not be used for testing culture isolates. Modifier 59 should be used if the lab analyst performs this test for different species or strains of the organism.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87272, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Patient’s primary source specimen, such as a stool specimen
• Specific steps performed to assess the presence of Cryptosporidium antigens using immunofluorescent technique
• Interpretation of the pattern of fluorescence staining on the test slides

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87272, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst using immunofluorescent technique to detect Cryptosporidium antigens in a primary source specimen. This code should not be reported if other methods are used for testing the presence of Cryptosporidium antigens. Additionally, this code should not be used for testing culture isolates. Modifier 59 should be used if the lab analyst performs this test for different species or strains of the organism.

8. Historical information

CPT 87272 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1998. There have been historical changes to the code, including code changes in 2001 and 2004 to include detection of Cryptosporidium and Giardia antigens using immunofluorescent technique.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs the test to detect Cryptosporidium antigens using immunofluorescent technique on a stool specimen from a patient with diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
2. A primary care physician orders the test to rule out Cryptosporidium infection in a patient who recently traveled to an area with contaminated water.
3. A gastroenterologist requests the test to diagnose Cryptosporidium infection in a patient with persistent diarrhea and weight loss.
4. An infectious disease specialist orders the test to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for a patient with known Cryptosporidium infection.
5. A pediatrician orders the test for a child with symptoms of cryptosporidiosis, including watery diarrhea and stomach pain.
6. A lab analyst performs the test on a stool specimen from a patient with HIV/AIDS to assess the presence of Cryptosporidium infection.
7. A travel medicine specialist requests the test for a patient who recently returned from a tropical destination and is experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms.
8. A public health agency orders the test to investigate an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in a community.
9. A veterinarian sends a stool specimen from an animal suspected of having Cryptosporidium infection for testing.
10. A lab analyst performs the test on a stool specimen from a patient with a weakened immune system to assess the risk of Cryptosporidium infection.