How To Use CPT Code 87278

CPT 87278 describes the detection of antigens of Legionella pneumophila bacterium 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 87278?

CPT 87278 can be used to detect antigens of Legionella pneumophila bacterium using immunofluorescent technique. This code is used when a lab analyst performs all technical steps to assess the presence of specific Legionella pneumophila antigens, which are specific protein particles on the surface of the organism, using immunofluorescent technique. The lab method may include steps such as mixing fluorescent tagged antibodies directed against the Legionella pneumophila antigens with the specimen, and preparing slides to view with a fluorescence microscope. The lab analyst evaluates whether the specimen demonstrates Legionella pneumophila infection based on the pattern of fluorescence staining on the test slides.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87278 is: ‘Infectious agent antigen detection by immunofluorescent technique; Legionella pneumophila.’

3. Procedure

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

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87278 is used when there is a need to detect antigens of Legionella pneumophila bacterium using immunofluorescent technique. This test may be ordered by clinicians to diagnose or rule out possible infection with Legionella pneumophila, which is called Legionnaires disease or legionellosis. The lab analyst performs this test using a primary source specimen, such as a bronchial washing, and assesses the presence of specific Legionella pneumophila antigens using immunofluorescent technique.

5. When to use CPT code 87278

CPT code 87278 should be used when there is a need to detect antigens of Legionella pneumophila bacterium using immunofluorescent technique. It should not be used for testing Legionella pneumophila antibodies or for testing culture isolates. For testing Legionella pneumophila antibodies, use an appropriate code such as 86713. For testing culture isolates, use other codes such as 87140 to 87158.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 87278, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Primary source specimen used for testing
• Specific Legionella pneumophila antigens assessed using immunofluorescent technique
• Details of the immunofluorescent technique used
• Evaluation of the specimen based on the pattern of fluorescence staining on the test slides

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 87278, ensure that the test is performed using immunofluorescent technique to detect antigens of Legionella pneumophila bacterium. Do not report this code for testing Legionella pneumophila antibodies or for testing culture isolates. If the lab analyst performs this test for different species or strains of the organism, separately report each test with modifier 59, Distinct procedural service.

8. Historical information

CPT code 87278 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1998. It was previously known as ‘Infectious agent antigen detection by direct fluorescent antibody technique; Legionella pneumophila’ before the code changed on January 1, 2001.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs a test using immunofluorescent technique to detect antigens of Legionella pneumophila bacterium in a bronchial washing specimen.
2. A patient with suspected Legionella pneumophila infection provides a primary source specimen for testing using immunofluorescent technique.
3. A lab analyst evaluates the presence of specific Legionella pneumophila antigens using immunofluorescent technique in a patient’s specimen.
4. A clinician orders a test to diagnose or rule out possible infection with Legionella pneumophila, and the lab analyst performs the test using immunofluorescent technique.
5. A lab analyst prepares slides with a specimen and views them under a fluorescence microscope to assess the presence of specific Legionella pneumophila antigens using immunofluorescent technique.
6. A patient with symptoms suggestive of Legionnaires disease provides a primary source specimen for testing using immunofluorescent technique.
7. A lab analyst mixes fluorescent tagged antibodies directed against the Legionella pneumophila antigens with a specimen to perform the test using immunofluorescent technique.
8. A clinician suspects Legionella pneumophila infection in a patient and orders a test using immunofluorescent technique to detect the specific antigens.
9. A lab analyst evaluates the pattern of fluorescence staining on the test slides to determine the presence of Legionella pneumophila infection using immunofluorescent technique.
10. A patient with a history of exposure to Legionella pneumophila provides a primary source specimen for testing using immunofluorescent technique.