How To Use CPT Code 87482

CPT 87482 describes the quantification of infection with Candida species using 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 87482?

CPT 87482 can be used to quantify the presence of Candida species using nucleic acid probe technique. This code is used when the lab analyst performs a test to assess the amount of nucleic acids related to Candida species in a specimen. The test involves amplification techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), to increase the number of copies of a specific target nucleic acid sequence. The lab analyst then evaluates the amplified nucleic acid sequences using a nucleic acid probe to determine the presence of Candida species.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87482 is: ‘Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Candida species, quantification.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst processes the specimen from a direct source, such as a vaginal swab or expectorated sputum.
2. Amplification techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), are performed to increase the number of copies of a specific target nucleic acid sequence.
3. The lab analyst evaluates the amplified nucleic acid sequences using a nucleic acid probe to determine the presence of Candida species.
4. The nucleic acid probe, which is a fabricated single-strand sequence of DNA or RNA, joins with the complementary sequence in the specimen through a process called hybridization.
5. The lab analyst visualizes and quantifies the hybridization product using a label, such as a radioactive or chemical tag, attached to the nucleic acid probe.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87482 is used when clinicians order a test to diagnose infection with Candida species. This test is suitable for patients with conditions such as vaginal infections and throat infection (thrush) that may be associated with Candida species. The test allows clinicians to quantify the amount of nucleic acids related to Candida species, enabling them to monitor the patient’s response to treatment over time.

5. When to use CPT code 87482

CPT code 87482 should be used when the lab analyst performs a test to quantify the presence of Candida species using nucleic acid probe technique. This code is appropriate for cases where the clinician suspects or wants to confirm infection with Candida species. It is important to note that CPT code 87482 should not be used for tests that detect Candida species antibodies or for Candida skin tests.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 87482, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Patient’s symptoms or suspected infection with Candida species
• Details of the specimen source (e.g., vaginal swab, expectorated sputum)
• Amplification techniques used, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
• Start and end time of the test
• Results of the test, including the quantification of Candida species
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 87482, ensure that the test is performed by a qualified lab analyst using nucleic acid probe technique to quantify infection with Candida species. It is important to distinguish between direct probe, amplified probe, and quantification tests for Candida species (CPT codes 87480, 87481, and 87482, respectively). Additionally, be aware of other codes that may be more appropriate for different types of Candida species testing, such as Candida species antibody tests (CPT codes 86628 and 86485).

8. Historical information

CPT code 87482 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 a test to quantify the presence of Candida species in a vaginal swab specimen.
2. A patient with symptoms of thrush undergoes a test to determine the amount of Candida species in an oral swab specimen.
3. A lab analyst assesses the level of Candida species in an expectorated sputum specimen from a patient with a suspected respiratory infection.
4. A clinician orders a test to monitor the response to treatment for a patient with a known Candida species infection.
5. A lab analyst performs a test to quantify the presence of Candida species in a wound swab specimen from a patient with a suspected infection.
6. A patient with recurrent vaginal infections undergoes a test to assess the amount of Candida species in a vaginal swab specimen.
7. A lab analyst evaluates the level of Candida species in a throat swab specimen from a patient with persistent throat discomfort.
8. A clinician orders a test to determine the presence of Candida species in a blood sample from an immunocompromised patient.
9. A lab analyst quantifies the amount of Candida species in a urine specimen from a patient with suspected urinary tract infection.
10. A patient with symptoms of oral thrush undergoes a test to assess the level of Candida species in an oral swab specimen.