How To Use CPT Code 87492

CPT 87492 describes the quantification of infection with Chlamydia trachomatis 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 87492?

CPT 87492 can be used to quantify the infection with Chlamydia trachomatis using nucleic acid probe technique. This code is used when the lab analyst performs a test to assess the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis by evaluating the amplified nucleic acid sequences through hybridization with a nucleic acid probe.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87492 is: ‘Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Chlamydia trachomatis, quantification.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst processes the specimen from a direct source, such as urine, vaginal or urethral discharge, or eye secretions.
2. Amplification techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), are performed to increase the number of copies of the specific target nucleic acid sequence.
3. The lab analyst evaluates the amplified nucleic acid sequences through hybridization with a nucleic acid probe specific to Chlamydia trachomatis.
4. The presence of Chlamydia trachomatis is visualized and quantified using a label attached to the nucleic acid probe.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87492 is used for patients suspected of having Chlamydia trachomatis infection. This test is typically ordered for patients with symptoms such as vaginal or urethral discharge, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or eye infections. It is important to diagnose and treat Chlamydia trachomatis infection early to prevent complications such as infertility or blindness.

5. When to use CPT code 87492

CPT code 87492 should be used when quantifying the infection with Chlamydia trachomatis using nucleic acid probe technique. It is appropriate to bill this code when the lab analyst performs the test and evaluates the amplified nucleic acid sequences through hybridization with a nucleic acid probe specific to Chlamydia trachomatis.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87492, the documentation should include:

• Patient’s symptoms or suspected infection with Chlamydia trachomatis
• Details of the specimen source (urine, vaginal or urethral discharge, eye secretions)
• Amplification techniques used, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
• Results of the hybridization process with the nucleic acid probe
• Quantification of the Chlamydia trachomatis infection
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87492, ensure that the test is performed to quantify the infection with Chlamydia trachomatis using nucleic acid probe technique. It is important to distinguish between CPT codes 87490, 87491, and 87492 for direct probe, amplified probe, and quantification tests for Chlamydia trachomatis, respectively. Report CPT 87492 separately and do not report it with other codes unless necessary.

8. Historical information

CPT 87492 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 quantifying the infection with Chlamydia trachomatis using nucleic acid probe technique for a patient with vaginal discharge.
2. A lab analyst performing the test to assess the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis in eye secretions for a patient with an eye infection.
3. A lab analyst evaluating the amplified nucleic acid sequences through hybridization with a nucleic acid probe specific to Chlamydia trachomatis for a patient with suspected pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
4. A lab analyst visualizing and quantifying the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis using a label attached to the nucleic acid probe for a patient with urethral discharge.
5. A lab analyst performing the test to quantify the infection with Chlamydia trachomatis using nucleic acid probe technique for a patient with symptoms suggestive of Chlamydia trachomatis infection.