How To Use CPT Code 87517

CPT 87517 describes the quantification of infection with hepatitis B virus 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 87517?

CPT 87517 can be used to quantify the presence of hepatitis B virus in a patient using nucleic acid probe technique. This code is used when a lab analyst performs amplification techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), to evaluate the amount of nucleic acids related to the virus in a specimen. The results of this test help clinicians diagnose infection with hepatitis B virus and monitor the patient’s response to treatment.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87517 is: ‘Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); hepatitis B virus, quantification.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst processes the specimen, typically serum or plasma, and performs amplification techniques, such as PCR, to increase the number of copies of the specific target nucleic acid sequence.
2. The lab analyst evaluates the amplified nucleic acid sequences to determine the presence of hepatitis B virus using a nucleic acid probe.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. The quantification of the amount of nucleic acids related to hepatitis B virus allows clinicians to assess the patient’s response to treatment and make informed decisions about their care.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87517 is used when there is a need to quantify the presence of hepatitis B virus in a patient. This test is typically ordered by clinicians to diagnose infection with hepatitis B virus, which can cause acute or chronic liver disease. The patient’s symptoms may include abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, liver failure, and cirrhosis. The test is performed on specimens such as serum or plasma, which contain important components for evaluating the presence of the virus. The lab analyst uses amplification techniques, such as PCR, and a nucleic acid probe to detect and quantify the virus in the specimen.

5. When to use CPT code 87517

CPT code 87517 should be used when there is a need to quantify the presence of hepatitis B virus in a patient using nucleic acid probe technique. This code is appropriate when the lab analyst performs amplification techniques, such as PCR, and uses a nucleic acid probe to evaluate the amount of nucleic acids related to the virus in a specimen. It is important to note that CPT code 87517 is not used for testing hepatitis B antibodies, which is covered by different codes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 87517, the following documentation is required:

• Patient’s symptoms and the need for quantification of hepatitis B virus
• Details of the amplification techniques, such as PCR, performed on the specimen
• Description of the nucleic acid probe used for hybridization
• Results of the quantification, including the amount of nucleic acids related to the virus
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 87517, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst using nucleic acid probe technique to quantify the presence of hepatitis B virus. It is important to distinguish between CPT code 87516, which is used for amplified probe tests, and CPT code 87517, which is used for quantification tests. Additionally, review the payer’s guidelines for any specific requirements or modifiers that may be necessary for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT code 87517 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 quantification test for hepatitis B virus using nucleic acid probe technique on a patient’s plasma sample.
2. A clinician orders a test to monitor the response to treatment for a patient with chronic liver disease caused by hepatitis B virus. The lab analyst performs the quantification test using nucleic acid probe technique.
3. A patient presents with symptoms of hepatitis B infection, and the clinician orders a test to confirm the diagnosis. The lab analyst performs the quantification test using nucleic acid probe technique on the patient’s serum sample.
4. A patient with a history of hepatitis B infection undergoes regular monitoring to assess the effectiveness of their treatment. The lab analyst performs the quantification test using nucleic acid probe technique on the patient’s plasma sample.
5. A clinician suspects a recent exposure to hepatitis B virus in a patient and orders a quantification test using nucleic acid probe technique. The lab analyst performs the test on the patient’s serum sample to determine the presence and amount of the virus.