How To Use CPT Code 87324

CPT 87324 describes the detection of Clostridium difficile toxin(s) 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 87324?

CPT 87324 can be used to detect the presence of one or more toxins produced by Clostridium difficile using an immunoassay technique. This code is used when a lab analyst performs all the necessary technical steps to assess the presence of the toxin(s) in a primary source specimen, such as stool, from the patient.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87324 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; Clostridium difficile toxin(s).’ This code is used to detect the presence of Clostridium difficile toxin(s) using an immunoassay technique.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst receives a primary source specimen, such as stool, from the patient.
2. Using an immunoassay technique, such as EIA, ELISA, FIA, or IMCA, the lab analyst performs all the necessary technical steps to assess the presence of Clostridium difficile toxin(s) in the specimen.
3. The test may evaluate for both toxin A and toxin B in a single test, which should be reported as one unit of CPT 87324.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87324 is used when there is a need to diagnose or rule out possible infection with Clostridium difficile. This bacterium can cause illness in patients who have recently been treated with antibiotics, undergone surgery, or experienced other conditions that disrupt the balance of digestive tract organisms. The test detects the presence of toxin(s) produced by Clostridium difficile, such as toxin A and toxin B, which can erode the lining of the colon and cause severe diarrhea.

5. When to use CPT code 87324

CPT code 87324 should be used when a lab analyst performs an immunoassay technique to detect Clostridium difficile toxin(s) in a primary source specimen, such as stool, from the patient. It should not be used for testing culture isolates or for testing antigens other than toxins. If the test is performed for different species or strains of the organism, or different organisms, each test should be reported separately with modifier 59.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87324, the documentation should include:

• Identification of the primary source specimen used for testing
• Details of the immunoassay technique used, such as EIA, ELISA, FIA, or IMCA
• Results indicating the presence or absence of Clostridium difficile toxin(s)
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87324, ensure that the test is performed using an immunoassay technique to detect Clostridium difficile toxin(s) in a primary source specimen. Do not report this code for testing culture isolates or for testing antigens other than toxins. If the test is performed for different species or strains of the organism, or different organisms, each test should be reported separately with modifier 59.

8. Historical information

CPT 87324 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 to the description and the addition of specific immunoassay techniques.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs an immunoassay technique to detect Clostridium difficile toxin(s) in a stool specimen from a patient with severe diarrhea.
2. Using an immunoassay technique, the lab analyst assesses the presence of Clostridium difficile toxin(s) in a primary source specimen from a patient who recently underwent surgery.
3. The lab analyst performs an immunoassay technique to detect Clostridium difficile toxin(s) in a stool specimen from a patient who has been treated with antibiotics.
4. Using an immunoassay technique, the lab analyst detects the presence of Clostridium difficile toxin(s) in a primary source specimen from a patient with symptoms of Clostridium difficile colitis.
5. A lab analyst performs an immunoassay technique to assess the presence of Clostridium difficile toxin(s) in a stool specimen from a patient with a suspected Clostridium difficile infection.
6. The lab analyst uses an immunoassay technique to detect Clostridium difficile toxin(s) in a primary source specimen from a patient with persistent diarrhea.
7. Using an immunoassay technique, the lab analyst assesses the presence of Clostridium difficile toxin(s) in a stool specimen from a patient with a history of antibiotic use.
8. The lab analyst performs an immunoassay technique to detect Clostridium difficile toxin(s) in a primary source specimen from a patient with symptoms of gastrointestinal infection.
9. A stool specimen from a patient with suspected Clostridium difficile infection is tested using an immunoassay technique to detect the presence of Clostridium difficile toxin(s).
10. The lab analyst assesses the presence of Clostridium difficile toxin(s) in a primary source specimen from a patient with symptoms of Clostridium difficile colitis using an immunoassay technique.