How To Use CPT Code 87301

CPT 87301 describes the detection of antigens for adenovirus enteric types 40 and 41 using an immunoassay 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 87301?

CPT 87301 can be used to detect antigens for adenovirus enteric types 40 and 41 using an immunoassay technique. This code is used when a lab analyst performs all the necessary technical steps to assess the presence of specific antigens in a patient’s primary source specimen, such as stool. The immunoassay technique may include methods like enzyme immunoassay (EIA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), fluorescence immunoassay (FIA), or immunochemiluminometric assay (IMCA).

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87301 is: ‘Infectious agent antigen detection by immunoassay technique (eg, EIA, ELISA, FIA, IMCA), qualitative or semiquantitative; adenovirus enteric types 40/41.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a primary source specimen, such as stool, from the patient.
2. Using an immunoassay technique, the lab analyst performs all the necessary technical steps to detect the presence of antigens for adenovirus enteric types 40 and 41 in the specimen.
3. The immunoassay technique may involve methods like EIA, ELISA, FIA, or IMCA.
4. The lab analyst interprets the results of the immunoassay and reports the findings.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87301 is used when there is a need to diagnose or rule out possible infection with adenovirus enteric types 40 and 41. These types of adenovirus can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever, especially in young children or patients with compromised immune systems. The test is performed on a primary source specimen, such as stool, and should not be used for testing culture isolates.

5. When to use CPT code 87301

CPT code 87301 should be used when there is a clinical suspicion of infection with adenovirus enteric types 40 and 41. It is appropriate to bill this code when the lab analyst performs an immunoassay technique to detect the antigens for these specific adenovirus types in a primary source specimen, such as stool. This code should not be used for testing culture isolates or for detecting antibodies to adenovirus enteric types 40 and 41.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87301, the documentation should include:

• The patient’s clinical indication for the test
• The specific immunoassay technique used (EIA, ELISA, FIA, IMCA)
• The date of the test
• The interpretation of the results
• The lab analyst’s signature

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87301, ensure that the test is performed on a primary source specimen, such as stool. This code should not be reported for testing culture isolates. It is important to follow the guidelines for reporting other codes when detecting antibodies to adenovirus enteric types 40 and 41. Additional tips for accurate billing may include considering the location of the testing and using appropriate codes for antibody detection.

8. Historical information

CPT 87301 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1998. There have been several changes to the code over the years, including updates to the description and methodology.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs an immunoassay technique to detect antigens for adenovirus enteric types 40 and 41 in a patient’s stool sample.
2. Using the EIA method, the lab analyst detects the presence of adenovirus enteric types 40 and 41 antigens in a primary source specimen.
3. The lab analyst performs an ELISA to assess the presence of specific antigens for adenovirus enteric types 40 and 41 in a patient’s stool sample.
4. Using the FIA method, the lab analyst detects the antigens for adenovirus enteric types 40 and 41 in a primary source specimen.
5. An IMCA is performed by a lab analyst to detect the presence of adenovirus enteric types 40 and 41 antigens in a patient’s stool sample.
6. The lab analyst uses an immunoassay technique, such as EIA, to detect the antigens for adenovirus enteric types 40 and 41 in a primary source specimen.
7. Using the ELISA method, the lab analyst performs an immunoassay to assess the presence of specific antigens for adenovirus enteric types 40 and 41 in a patient’s stool sample.
8. The lab analyst performs an FIA to detect the antigens for adenovirus enteric types 40 and 41 in a primary source specimen.
9. An IMCA is conducted by a lab analyst to assess the presence of adenovirus enteric types 40 and 41 antigens in a patient’s stool sample.
10. Using an immunoassay technique, such as EIA, the lab analyst detects the antigens for adenovirus enteric types 40 and 41 in a primary source specimen.