How To Use CPT Code 87400

CPT 87400 describes the detection of influenza A or B antigens 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 87400?

CPT 87400 can be used to detect the presence of influenza A or B antigens in a patient using an immunoassay technique. This code is used when the lab analyst performs the necessary steps to identify the specific strain of influenza present in the patient’s specimen.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87400 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; Influenza, A or B, each.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the necessary technical steps to detect influenza A or B antigens in the patient’s specimen.
2. The immunoassay technique, such as EIA, ELISA, FIA, or IMCA, is used to identify the presence of specific antigens.
3. The specimen commonly used for this test includes serum, sputum, or nasal or throat swabs.
4. The lab analyst differentiates between influenza A and B strains to determine the specific type of influenza present in the patient.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible for CPT 87400 testing are those suspected of having influenza A or B. This test is commonly ordered by providers to aid in the diagnosis of the flu. The lab analyst performs the necessary steps to detect the antigens of influenza A or B in the patient’s specimen using an immunoassay technique.

5. When to use CPT code 87400

CPT code 87400 should be used when a provider orders a test to detect the presence of influenza A or B antigens in a patient’s specimen. This code is appropriate for qualitative or semiquantitative immunoassay techniques, such as EIA, ELISA, FIA, or IMCA, used to identify the specific strain of influenza.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87400, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Patient’s suspected diagnosis of influenza A or B
• Specific immunoassay technique used, such as EIA, ELISA, FIA, or IMCA
• Date of the test and the specimen type used
• Results indicating the presence or absence of influenza A or B antigens
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87400, ensure that the test is performed using an immunoassay technique, such as EIA, ELISA, FIA, or IMCA, to detect influenza A or B antigens. Follow payer preferences on reporting the test once or twice, depending on the number of strains detected. Consider reporting additional codes for specimen collection if required by the payer.

8. Historical information

CPT 87400 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2001. There have been several updates to the code since its addition, including changes to the test method and the addition of multiple-step methods.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performing an immunoassay technique to detect influenza A antigens in a patient’s serum sample.
2. A healthcare provider ordering an immunoassay test to determine the presence of influenza B antigens in a patient’s nasal swab.
3. A lab technician using an immunoassay technique to identify the specific strain of influenza present in a patient’s sputum sample.
4. A provider requesting an immunoassay test to differentiate between influenza A and B strains in a patient’s throat swab.
5. A lab analyst performing an immunoassay technique to detect influenza A and B antigens in a patient’s specimen for surveillance purposes.
6. A healthcare provider ordering an immunoassay test to confirm the presence of influenza A or B in a patient with flu-like symptoms.
7. A lab technician using an immunoassay technique to detect influenza A antigens in a patient’s serum sample for research purposes.
8. A provider requesting an immunoassay test to identify the specific strain of influenza present in a patient’s nasal swab for epidemiological studies.
9. A lab analyst performing an immunoassay technique to differentiate between influenza A and B strains in a patient’s sputum sample for public health monitoring.
10. A healthcare provider ordering an immunoassay test to confirm the absence of influenza A or B in a patient with respiratory symptoms.