How To Use CPT Code 87300

CPT 87300 describes the detection of antigens of multiple specific organisms 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 87300?

CPT 87300 can be used to detect antigens of multiple specific organisms using an immunofluorescent technique. This code is used when a lab analyst performs a test to assess the presence of specific antigens, which are protein particles on the surface of organisms, using immunofluorescent technique. The test aims to identify viruses, fungi, bacteria, or other living things that cause infection in humans.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87300 is: ‘Infectious agent antigen detection by immunofluorescent technique, polyvalent for multiple organisms, each polyvalent antiserum.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a primary source specimen, such as blood, from the patient.
2. The lab analyst performs all technical steps to assess the presence of specific antigens using immunofluorescent technique.
3. The lab method may include steps such as mixing fluorescent tagged antibodies directed against the specific antigens with the specimen and preparing slides for viewing with a fluorescence microscope.
4. The lab analyst evaluates the specimen for infection with any of the organisms based on the pattern of fluorescence staining on the test slides.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87300 is used when clinicians order a test to diagnose or rule out possible infection with multiple infectious agents using immunofluorescent technique. This test is not limited to a specific condition and can be used for various organisms causing infection in humans.

5. When to use CPT code 87300

CPT code 87300 should be used when a lab analyst performs a test to detect antigens of multiple specific organisms using immunofluorescent technique. This code is appropriate when the test is performed on a primary source specimen, such as blood, and not on culture isolates.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87300, the documentation should include:

• Details of the specific antigens being tested for
• Information about the primary source specimen used
• Steps performed during the immunofluorescent technique
• Evaluation of the specimen for infection with any of the organisms
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87300, ensure that the test is performed using immunofluorescent technique to detect antigens of multiple specific organisms. This code should not be used for testing culture isolates. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting infectious agent antibodies and to use appropriate codes for other related tests.

8. Historical information

CPT 87300 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2001. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs a test using immunofluorescent technique to detect antigens of multiple specific organisms in a patient’s blood sample.
2. A clinician orders a test to diagnose possible infection with various infectious agents using immunofluorescent technique.
3. A lab analyst evaluates a specimen for infection with specific antigens of multiple organisms using immunofluorescent technique.
4. A patient undergoes a test to rule out infection with various organisms using immunofluorescent technique.
5. A lab analyst prepares slides and uses a fluorescence microscope to assess the presence of specific antigens in a patient’s specimen using immunofluorescent technique.
6. A clinician orders a test to detect antigens of multiple specific organisms causing infection in a patient using immunofluorescent technique.
7. A lab analyst performs all technical steps to assess the presence of specific antigens using immunofluorescent technique in a patient’s primary source specimen.
8. A patient’s blood sample is tested for the presence of specific antigens of multiple organisms using immunofluorescent technique.
9. A lab analyst uses immunofluorescent technique to detect antigens of various infectious agents in a patient’s specimen.
10. A clinician orders a test to identify specific antigens of multiple organisms causing infection in a patient using immunofluorescent technique.