How To Use CPT Code 87493

CPT 87493 describes the detection of Clostridium difficile toxin gene 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 87493?

CPT 87493 can be used to detect the presence of Clostridium difficile toxin gene using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique. This code is used when a lab analyst performs a test on a loose or watery stool specimen to assess the presence of the amplified nucleic acid sequences that indicate the presence of C. diff.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87493 is: ‘Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Clostridium difficile, toxin gene(s), amplified probe technique.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst prepares the stool specimen and extracts the target gene from it.
2. The lab analyst amplifies the target nucleic acid sequence using techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
3. The lab analyst assesses the presence of the amplified nucleic acid sequences that indicate the presence of C. diff using a nucleic acid probe.
4. The lab analyst visualizes the hybridization product using a nucleic acid probe labeled with a chemical or fluorescent tag.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87493 is used when clinicians order a test for Clostridium difficile toxin gene to diagnose patients experiencing diarrhea, abdominal pain, or colon inflammation. The test is typically performed on loose or watery stool specimens. The presence of C. diff toxins, type A or B, indicates the presence of C. diff infection.

5. When to use CPT code 87493

CPT code 87493 should be used when a lab analyst performs a test for Clostridium difficile toxin gene using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique. It is appropriate to bill this code when the test is ordered to diagnose patients with symptoms of C. diff infection.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87493, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Details of the specimen, including whether it is a loose or watery stool specimen
• The target gene extracted from the specimen
• The amplification technique used, such as PCR
• The presence of the amplified nucleic acid sequences indicating the presence of C. diff
• The visualization of the hybridization product using a labeled nucleic acid probe

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87493, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique to detect Clostridium difficile toxin gene. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting this code with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 87493 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2010. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performing a test for Clostridium difficile toxin gene using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique on a loose stool specimen.
2. A clinician ordering a C. diff toxin gene test for a patient with diarrhea and abdominal pain.
3. A lab analyst visualizing the hybridization product of the amplified nucleic acid sequences indicating the presence of C. diff using a labeled nucleic acid probe.
4. A patient with symptoms of C. diff infection undergoing a test for Clostridium difficile toxin gene using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique.
5. A lab analyst extracting the target gene from a watery stool specimen to assess the presence of C. diff.
6. A clinician diagnosing a patient with colon inflammation ordering a test for Clostridium difficile toxin gene.
7. A lab analyst performing a test for C. diff toxin gene using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique on a stool specimen.
8. A patient with diarrhea undergoing a test for Clostridium difficile toxin gene using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique.
9. A lab analyst amplifying the target nucleic acid sequence from a loose stool specimen to detect the presence of C. diff.
10. A clinician ordering a C. diff toxin gene test for a patient with symptoms of C. diff infection.