How To Use CPT Code 87471

CPT 87471 describes the process of detecting the presence of Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana using an amplified nucleic acid probe 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 87471?

CPT 87471 can be used to detect the presence of Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique. This code is used when a lab analyst performs a test on a specimen, such as blood, to assess the presence of these infectious agents.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87471 is: ‘Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana, amplified probe technique.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst processes the specimen, typically blood, and performs amplification techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), to increase the number of copies of the target nucleic acid sequence.
2. The lab analyst then assesses the presence of the amplified nucleic acid sequences that indicate the presence of Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana using a nucleic acid probe.
3. The nucleic acid probe is a fabricated single-strand sequence of DNA or RNA that joins with the complementary sequence in the specimen through a process called hybridization.
4. The lab analyst visualizes the hybridization product using a label, such as a radioactive or chemical tag, attached to the nucleic acid probe.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87471 is typically ordered by clinicians to diagnose infections caused by Bartonella henselae or Bartonella quintana. These infections may be associated with conditions such as cat scratch disease or opportunistic infections in HIV patients. The test is performed on specimens obtained directly from the source, such as blood.

5. When to use CPT code 87471

CPT code 87471 should be used when there is a clinical suspicion of Bartonella henselae or Bartonella quintana infection. It is important to note that this code is specifically for the detection of these infectious agents using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87471, the documentation should include:

• Clinical indication for the test
• Specimen source
• Amplification technique used
• Details of the nucleic acid probe used
• Results of the test
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87471, ensure that the test is performed using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique to detect Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana. It is important to distinguish this code from other codes that may be used for different purposes, such as detecting Bartonella antibodies. Pay attention to any specific guidelines provided by payers regarding specimen collection and reporting of additional codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 87471 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1998. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs an amplified nucleic acid probe technique to detect Bartonella henselae in a blood sample obtained from a patient with symptoms of cat scratch disease.
2. Using an amplified probe technique, the lab analyst detects the presence of Bartonella quintana in a blood specimen from an HIV patient presenting with fever and skin lesions.
3. During the testing process, the lab analyst identifies the amplified nucleic acid sequences of both Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana in a blood sample from a patient with suspected co-infection.
4. Using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique, the lab analyst confirms the presence of Bartonella henselae in a blood specimen from a patient with regional lymph node swelling following a cat scratch.
5. The lab analyst performs the test on a blood sample from a patient with symptoms of an opportunistic infection in HIV, and the results indicate the presence of Bartonella quintana.
6. Using an amplified probe technique, the lab analyst detects the presence of Bartonella henselae in a blood specimen from a patient with a history of exposure to cats and symptoms suggestive of cat scratch disease.
7. A clinician orders the test to assess the presence of Bartonella quintana in a blood sample from a patient with fever and bacteria in the blood followed by skin lesions.
8. The lab analyst performs the amplified nucleic acid probe technique on a blood specimen from a patient with suspected Bartonella henselae infection, and the results confirm the presence of the infectious agent.
9. Using an amplified probe technique, the lab analyst detects the presence of Bartonella quintana in a blood sample from a patient with symptoms of an opportunistic infection in HIV.
10. A clinician orders the test to diagnose infection with Bartonella henselae in a patient with regional lymph node swelling following a cat scratch, and the results of the amplified nucleic acid probe technique confirm the presence of the infectious agent.