How To Use CPT Code 87299

CPT 87299 describes the detection of infectious agent 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 87299?

CPT 87299 can be used to detect antigens of a specific organism that is not uniquely named in any other code. This code involves using immunofluorescent antibody stain and fluorescence microscopy to assess the presence of specific antigens, which are protein particles on the surface of the unlisted organism. The test is performed by a lab analyst using a primary source specimen, such as blood, from the patient.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87299 is: ‘Infectious agent antigen detection by immunofluorescent technique; not otherwise specified, each organism.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs a test to detect antigens of a specific organism that is not uniquely named in a different code.
2. The lab analyst uses methods such as an immunofluorescent antibody stain and fluorescence microscopy.
3. A primary source specimen, such as blood, is used for the test.
4. The lab analyst mixes fluorescent tagged antibodies directed against the specific antigens with the specimen.
5. Slides are prepared to view with a fluorescence microscope.
6. The lab analyst evaluates the specimen based on the pattern of fluorescence staining on the test slides to determine if there is infection with the unlisted organism.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87299 is used when clinicians need to diagnose or rule out possible infection with an infectious agent that isn’t listed in any other code descriptor for infectious agent antigen detection using immunofluorescent technique. The test is performed on primary source specimens, such as blood, and should not be used for testing culture isolates.

5. When to use CPT code 87299

CPT code 87299 should be used when there is a need to detect antigens of a specific organism that is not uniquely named in any other code. It is appropriate when the test is performed using immunofluorescent technique on a primary source specimen, such as blood, to assess the presence of specific antigens.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87299, the documentation should include:

• Patient’s primary source specimen used for the test
• Specific organism being tested for
• Details of the immunofluorescent technique used
• Results of the test, including the presence or absence of specific antigens
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87299, ensure that the test is performed using immunofluorescent technique on a primary source specimen. Do not use this code for testing culture isolates. If the lab analyst performs this test for different species or strains of the organism, or different organisms, each test should be reported separately with modifier 59, Distinct procedural service.

8. Historical information

CPT 87299 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1998. The code was initially described as ‘Infectious agent antigen detection by direct fluorescent antibody technique, not otherwise specified’ and was later changed to the current description.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs a test using immunofluorescent technique to detect antigens of an unlisted organism in a patient’s blood sample.
2. The test is performed to assess the presence of specific antigens of an unlisted organism using immunofluorescent technique on a primary source specimen.
3. A patient’s blood sample is tested using immunofluorescent technique to detect antigens of an unlisted organism.
4. The lab analyst prepares slides with the patient’s blood sample and uses fluorescence microscopy to evaluate the presence of specific antigens of an unlisted organism.
5. Using immunofluorescent technique, the lab analyst assesses the presence of specific antigens of an unlisted organism in the patient’s blood sample.
6. A primary source specimen, such as blood, is used to perform a test using immunofluorescent technique to detect antigens of an unlisted organism.
7. The lab analyst mixes fluorescent tagged antibodies with the patient’s blood sample to detect specific antigens of an unlisted organism using immunofluorescent technique.
8. Slides prepared with the patient’s blood sample are viewed under a fluorescence microscope to evaluate the presence of specific antigens of an unlisted organism using immunofluorescent technique.
9. The lab analyst evaluates the patient’s blood sample for the presence of specific antigens of an unlisted organism using immunofluorescent technique.
10. Using immunofluorescent technique, the lab analyst performs a test on the patient’s blood sample to detect antigens of an unlisted organism.