How To Use CPT Code 87483

CPT 87483 describes the detection of multiple types or subtypes of central nervous system pathogens using nucleic acid testing. 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 87483?

CPT 87483 can be used to detect multiple types or subtypes of central nervous system pathogens using nucleic acid testing. This code is used when the lab analyst performs the technical steps to identify target nucleic acids from pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Listeria, Haemophilus influenzae, E. coli, Streptococcus agalactiae, enterovirus, human parechovirus, herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2, human herpesvirus 6, cytomegalovirus, varicella zoster virus, or Cryptococcus.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87483 is: ‘Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); central nervous system pathogen (eg, Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Listeria, Haemophilus influenzae, E. coli, Streptococcus agalactiae, enterovirus, human parechovirus, herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2, human herpesvirus 6, cytomegalovirus, varicella zoster virus, Cryptococcus), includes multiplex reverse transcription, when performed, and multiplex amplified probe technique, multiple types or subtypes, 12-25 targets.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical steps to detect multiple types or subtypes of central nervous system pathogens listed in the code.
2. The analyst uses multiplex amplified probe technique to identify target nucleic acids from these pathogens, and may include multiplex reverse transcription as part of the test procedure.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who may have a central nervous system infection caused by pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Listeria, Haemophilus influenzae, E. coli, Streptococcus agalactiae, enterovirus, human parechovirus, herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2, human herpesvirus 6, cytomegalovirus, varicella zoster virus, or Cryptococcus are eligible for CPT 87483 testing. Symptoms of central nervous system infections may include flu-like symptoms, headache, and stiff neck. The test is performed by a lab analyst using nucleic acid testing to detect the presence of these pathogens.

5. When to use CPT code 87483

CPT code 87483 should be used when there is a suspicion of a central nervous system infection caused by the listed pathogens. It is important to order this test to identify the possible causative organism in patients who may have a central nervous system infection, such as meningitis or encephalitis.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87483, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test and suspicion of a central nervous system infection
• Specific pathogens being tested for
• Details of the test procedure, including multiplex amplified probe technique and multiplex reverse transcription if performed
• Results of the test and interpretation
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87483, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst and includes the detection of multiple types or subtypes of central nervous system pathogens. Do not separately report codes for individual pathogens that are included in CPT 87483. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate and appropriate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 87483 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2017. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with symptoms of meningitis, and the physician orders CPT 87483 to detect the presence of Neisseria meningitidis or other central nervous system pathogens.
2. A patient with suspected encephalitis undergoes CPT 87483 testing to identify the possible causative organism, such as herpes simplex virus type 1 or 2.
3. A newborn with signs of infection in the central nervous system is tested using CPT 87483 to detect the presence of Streptococcus agalactiae or other pathogens.
4. A patient with a history of recurrent meningitis undergoes CPT 87483 testing to identify the specific pathogen causing the infections.