How To Use CPT Code 87521

CPT 87521 describes the process of detecting the presence of hepatitis C using an amplified probe technique for nucleic acid detection. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 87521?

CPT 87521 can be used to identify the presence of hepatitis C in a patient’s specimen using an amplified probe technique. This test is performed in a laboratory setting and provides a definitive diagnosis of hepatitis C. It may also include reverse transcription, which involves copying a nucleotide sequence from an RNA template during DNA synthesis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87521 is: ‘Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); hepatitis C, amplified probe technique, includes reverse transcription when performed.’

3. Procedure

1. A laboratory receives a patient’s specimen, such as blood serum, for testing the presence of hepatitis C.
2. The laboratory performs an amplified probe technique, which allows for the rapid identification of microorganisms compared to traditional culture methods.
3. If reverse transcription is required, the laboratory includes this step in the process, where a nucleotide sequence is copied from an RNA template during DNA synthesis.
4. The test results provide a definitive diagnosis of hepatitis C in the patient’s specimen.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87521 is used when there is a need to detect the presence of hepatitis C in a patient’s specimen. This test is typically requested when there is a suspicion of hepatitis C infection based on clinical symptoms or risk factors. The test is performed in a laboratory by trained professionals who use an amplified probe technique. Reverse transcription may also be included if necessary.

5. When to use CPT code 87521

CPT code 87521 should be used when there is a need to definitively diagnose hepatitis C in a patient’s specimen. It is appropriate to bill this code when the laboratory performs the amplified probe technique and, if necessary, includes reverse transcription. This code should not be used for other infectious agents or for different detection techniques.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87521, the laboratory must document the following information:

• Patient’s information and specimen details
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the amplified probe technique
• If applicable, documentation of reverse transcription
• Signature of the laboratory professional performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87521, ensure that the laboratory has performed the amplified probe technique for hepatitis C detection. If reverse transcription is also performed, it should be included in the billing. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding the appropriate use of this code and any additional documentation requirements.

8. Historical information

CPT 87521 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1998. There have been two code changes since its addition, with the most recent change occurring on January 1, 2014.

9. Examples

1. A laboratory performs CPT 87521 on a patient’s blood serum specimen and detects the presence of hepatitis C using an amplified probe technique.
2. Using CPT 87521, a laboratory confirms the diagnosis of hepatitis C in a patient’s specimen by performing an amplified probe technique with reverse transcription.
3. A patient with suspected hepatitis C undergoes CPT 87521, and the laboratory detects the presence of the virus using an amplified probe technique.
4. By performing CPT 87521, a laboratory definitively diagnoses hepatitis C in a patient’s specimen using an amplified probe technique with reverse transcription.
5. Using CPT 87521, a laboratory identifies the presence of hepatitis C in a patient’s blood serum specimen through an amplified probe technique.
6. A patient’s specimen is tested using CPT 87521, and the laboratory confirms the presence of hepatitis C using an amplified probe technique with reverse transcription.
7. By performing CPT 87521, a laboratory detects the presence of hepatitis C in a patient’s specimen using an amplified probe technique.
8. A laboratory uses CPT 87521 to definitively diagnose hepatitis C in a patient’s specimen through an amplified probe technique with reverse transcription.
9. Using CPT 87521, a laboratory confirms the presence of hepatitis C in a patient’s blood serum specimen by performing an amplified probe technique.
10. A patient undergoes CPT 87521, and the laboratory detects the presence of hepatitis C in their specimen using an amplified probe technique with reverse transcription.