How To Use CPT Code 87320

CPT 87320 describes the detection of antigens for the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis 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 87320?

CPT 87320 can be used to detect antigens of the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis using an immunoassay technique. This code is used when a lab analyst performs a test to assess the presence of specific Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in a patient’s primary source specimen, such as a vaginal, nasal, eye, or rectal swab.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87320 is: ‘Infectious agent antigen detection by immunoassay technique (eg, enzyme immunoassay [EIA], enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA], fluorescence immunoassay [FIA], immunochemiluminometric assay [IMCA]), qualitative or semiquantitative; Chlamydia trachomatis.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a primary source specimen from the patient, such as a vaginal, nasal, eye, or rectal swab.
2. The lab analyst performs all technical steps to assess the presence of specific Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in the specimen.
3. The immunoassay technique is used, which could include enzyme immunoassay (EIA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), fluorescence immunoassay (FIA), or immunochemiluminometric assay (IMCA).

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87320 is used when clinicians order a test to diagnose or rule out possible infection with Chlamydia trachomatis. This bacterium is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause various conditions, such as inflammation of the cervix and pelvis in women, or the prostate and urethra in men. The test is performed on a primary source specimen, and it should not be used for testing culture isolates.

5. When to use CPT code 87320

CPT code 87320 should be used when a lab analyst performs an immunoassay technique to detect antigens of Chlamydia trachomatis in a patient’s primary source specimen. It should not be used for testing antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis or for methods other than immunoassay technique.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87320, the documentation should include:

• Patient’s primary source specimen used for testing
• Specific immunoassay technique used, such as EIA, ELISA, FIA, or IMCA
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the test indicating the presence or absence of Chlamydia trachomatis antigens
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87320, ensure that the test is performed using an immunoassay technique to detect Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in a patient’s primary source specimen. Do not report CPT 87320 for testing culture isolates or for detecting antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis. Follow any additional guidelines provided by payers for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 87320 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1998. There have been several updates to the code since its addition, including changes in the description and methodology.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs an immunoassay technique to detect Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in a vaginal swab specimen from a patient.
2. A lab analyst uses an immunoassay technique to assess the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in a nasal swab specimen from a patient with suspected infection.
3. An immunoassay technique is performed by a lab analyst to detect Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in an eye swab specimen from a patient with symptoms of conjunctivitis.
4. A lab analyst performs an immunoassay technique on a rectal swab specimen to detect Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in a patient with suspected infection.
5. An immunoassay technique is used by a lab analyst to assess the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in a vaginal swab specimen from a pregnant patient to screen for possible transmission to the newborn.
6. A lab analyst performs an immunoassay technique on a nasal swab specimen to detect Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in a patient with symptoms of upper respiratory infection.
7. An immunoassay technique is used by a lab analyst to assess the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in an eye swab specimen from a patient with suspected trachoma.
8. A lab analyst performs an immunoassay technique on a rectal swab specimen to detect Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in a patient with symptoms of proctitis.
9. An immunoassay technique is used by a lab analyst to assess the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in a vaginal swab specimen from a patient with recurrent pelvic inflammatory disease.
10. A lab analyst performs an immunoassay technique on a nasal swab specimen to detect Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in a patient with symptoms of sinusitis.