How To Use CPT Code 87503

CPT 87503 describes the process of detecting the presence of influenza virus through nucleic acid detection using a multiplex amplified 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 87503?

CPT 87503 can be used to describe the detection of influenza virus through nucleic acid detection using a multiplex amplified probe technique. This code is used when the lab analyst performs the test to determine the presence of influenza virus, including the identification of multiple types or subtypes beyond the first two.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87503 is: ‘Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); influenza virus, for multiple types or sub-types, includes multiplex reverse transcription, when performed, and multiplex amplified probe technique, each additional influenza virus type or sub-type beyond 2 (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs a test to detect the presence of influenza virus through nucleic acid detection using a multiplex amplified probe technique.
2. If necessary, the lab analyst may also perform multiplex reverse transcription to copy a nucleotide sequence from an RNA template during DNA synthesis.
3. The lab analyst evaluates the amplified product and quantifies the number of microorganisms present.
4. This procedure is repeated for each additional influenza virus type or subtype beyond the first two.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87503 is used when there is a need to detect multiple types or subtypes of influenza virus using nucleic acid detection. This test is typically ordered to identify the presence of different strains of the influenza virus. The lab analyst performs the technical steps to detect each additional influenza virus type or subtype beyond the first two.

5. When to use CPT code 87503

CPT code 87503 should be used when there is a need to detect multiple types or subtypes of influenza virus using nucleic acid detection. It is important to use this code in conjunction with the appropriate primary code, such as CPT code 87502, which covers the detection of the first two types or subtypes of influenza virus.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87503, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test and the need to detect multiple types or subtypes of influenza virus
• Details of the nucleic acid detection technique used, including the multiplex amplified probe technique and, if applicable, multiplex reverse transcription
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the test, including the identification of each additional influenza virus type or subtype beyond the first two
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87503, ensure that the test is performed by a qualified lab analyst using the appropriate technique. It is important to use the code in conjunction with the primary code for the detection of the first two types or subtypes of influenza virus. Do not report CPT 87503 without an appropriate primary code.

8. Historical information

CPT 87503 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2011. There have been two updates to the code since its addition, with the most recent update on January 1, 2016.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs a test to detect the presence of influenza virus types A and B using nucleic acid detection and a multiplex amplified probe technique.
2. During the same session, the lab analyst also detects the presence of influenza virus type C using nucleic acid detection and a multiplex amplified probe technique.
3. The lab analyst performs a test to detect the presence of influenza virus types A, B, and C using nucleic acid detection and a multiplex amplified probe technique.
4. In a separate session, the lab analyst detects the presence of influenza virus types A, B, C, and D using nucleic acid detection and a multiplex amplified probe technique.
5. Using nucleic acid detection and a multiplex amplified probe technique, the lab analyst identifies the presence of influenza virus types A, B, C, D, and E in a single test.
6. During a routine screening, the lab analyst detects the presence of influenza virus types A and B using nucleic acid detection and a multiplex amplified probe technique.
7. The lab analyst performs a test to detect the presence of influenza virus types A, B, and C using nucleic acid detection and a multiplex amplified probe technique.
8. Using nucleic acid detection and a multiplex amplified probe technique, the lab analyst identifies the presence of influenza virus types A, B, C, and D in a single test.
9. During a follow-up visit, the lab analyst detects the presence of influenza virus types A and B using nucleic acid detection and a multiplex amplified probe technique.
10. The lab analyst performs a test to detect the presence of influenza virus types A, B, and C using nucleic acid detection and a multiplex amplified probe technique.