How To Use CPT Code 87275

CPT 87275 describes the detection of influenza B virus antigens using an 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 87275?

CPT 87275 can be used to detect the presence of specific influenza B virus antigens in a patient using an immunofluorescent technique. This code is used when a lab analyst performs all the necessary technical steps to assess the presence of these antigens using methods such as an immunofluorescent antibody stain and fluorescence microscopy.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87275 is: ‘Infectious agent antigen detection by immunofluorescent technique; influenza B virus.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a primary source specimen, such as a throat swab, from the patient.
2. Using an immunofluorescent technique, the lab analyst performs all the necessary technical steps to assess the presence of specific influenza B virus antigens in the specimen.
3. This may include mixing fluorescent tagged antibodies directed against the influenza B virus antigens with the specimen and preparing slides for viewing with a fluorescence microscope.
4. The lab analyst evaluates the specimen based on the pattern of fluorescence staining on the test slides to determine if it demonstrates influenza B virus infection.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87275 is used when clinicians order a test to diagnose or rule out possible infection with influenza B virus. This test is not limited to testing for a specific condition but is commonly used to detect the presence of influenza B virus antigens in patients who may have the flu. The lab analyst performs the test using a primary source specimen from the patient, such as a throat swab.

5. When to use CPT code 87275

CPT code 87275 should be used when a lab analyst performs a test to detect influenza B virus antigens using an immunofluorescent technique. This code should not be used for testing culture isolates or for detecting influenza B virus antibodies. In those cases, other appropriate codes should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87275, the documentation should include:

• Details of the primary source specimen used for testing
• Description of the immunofluorescent technique used
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the test, including the presence or absence of influenza B virus antigens
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87275, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst using an immunofluorescent technique to detect influenza B virus antigens. This code should not be reported for testing culture isolates or for detecting influenza B virus 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 to indicate distinct procedural service.

8. Historical information

CPT 87275 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2001. It underwent a code change on January 1, 2004, to specify the detection of influenza B virus antigens.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs a test using immunofluorescent technique to detect influenza B virus antigens in a throat swab specimen from a patient with flu-like symptoms.
2. Using an immunofluorescent technique, a lab analyst assesses the presence of specific influenza B virus antigens in a primary source specimen obtained from a patient with suspected influenza B virus infection.
3. A lab analyst prepares slides with fluorescent tagged antibodies directed against influenza B virus antigens and evaluates the specimen for the presence of these antigens using a fluorescence microscope.
4. During a flu season, a lab analyst performs a test to detect influenza B virus antigens in primary source specimens collected from multiple patients presenting with flu-like symptoms.
5. Using an immunofluorescent technique, a lab analyst assesses the presence of specific influenza B virus antigens in a throat swab specimen obtained from a patient with a suspected respiratory infection.
6. A lab analyst performs a test to detect influenza B virus antigens in a primary source specimen collected from a patient with a history of exposure to individuals diagnosed with influenza B virus infection.
7. Using an immunofluorescent technique, a lab analyst evaluates the presence of specific influenza B virus antigens in a throat swab specimen obtained from a patient with symptoms consistent with influenza B virus infection.
8. A lab analyst performs a test to detect influenza B virus antigens in a primary source specimen collected from a patient presenting with flu-like symptoms during a flu outbreak.
9. Using an immunofluorescent technique, a lab analyst assesses the presence of specific influenza B virus antigens in a throat swab specimen obtained from a patient with a suspected respiratory illness.
10. A lab analyst performs a test to detect influenza B virus antigens in a primary source specimen collected from a patient with symptoms suggestive of influenza B virus infection.