How To Use CPT Code 87525

CPT 87525 describes the detection of the hepatitis G virus using a direct 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 87525?

CPT 87525 can be used to detect the presence of the hepatitis G virus in a patient’s primary specimen, typically in serum or plasma, using a direct nucleic acid probe technique. This test is performed by a lab analyst who assesses the specific nucleic acid sequences that indicate the presence of the virus. The nucleic acid probe, which is a fabricated single strand sequence of DNA or RNA, is mixed with the patient’s specimen and undergoes hybridization, forming a double-stranded molecule if the virus is present. The lab analyst can then visualize the hybridization product using a label attached to the nucleic acid probe.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87525 is: ‘Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); hepatitis G, direct probe technique.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst prepares the patient’s specimen, typically serum or plasma, for testing.
2. A nucleic acid probe, which is a fabricated single strand sequence of DNA or RNA, is mixed with the specimen.
3. If the hepatitis G virus is present in the specimen, the nucleic acid probe will hybridize with the complementary sequence in the virus, forming a double-stranded molecule.
4. The lab analyst can visualize the hybridization product using a label attached to the nucleic acid probe, such as a radioactive or chemical tag.
5. If the hybridization product is detected, it indicates the presence of the hepatitis G virus in the patient’s specimen.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87525 is used to detect the presence of the hepatitis G virus in patients who may be asymptomatic or exhibit mild liver inflammation. This test is typically ordered by clinicians to diagnose infection with the hepatitis G virus. The virus commonly occurs as a coinfection with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV. Transmission of the virus typically occurs through blood transfusions, dialysis, or exposure to contaminated blood.

5. When to use CPT code 87525

CPT code 87525 should be used when a clinician orders a direct probe technique to detect the presence of the hepatitis G virus in a patient’s specimen. It is important to distinguish between CPT codes 87525, 87526, and 87527, which represent direct probe, amplified probe, and quantification tests for hepatitis G, respectively. Each code represents a different testing method and should be used accordingly.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 87525, the documentation should include:

• Patient’s primary specimen, such as serum or plasma
• Details of the direct nucleic acid probe technique used
• Results of the hybridization process and visualization of the hybridization product
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 87525, ensure that the test is performed using a direct nucleic acid probe technique to detect the hepatitis G virus. It is important to use the appropriate code for the specific testing method, distinguishing between direct probe, amplified probe, and quantification tests. Consider any additional guidelines provided by payers for specimen collection, and use the appropriate codes if separate payment is allowed. It is also important to accurately report the number of units for this code based on the number of tests performed.

8. Historical information

CPT code 87525 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 direct nucleic acid probe technique to detect the presence of the hepatitis G virus in a patient’s serum sample.
2. A clinician orders a direct probe test to diagnose infection with the hepatitis G virus in a patient who has a history of blood transfusions.
3. A lab analyst visualizes the hybridization product using a chemical tag attached to the nucleic acid probe, indicating the presence of the hepatitis G virus in the patient’s plasma sample.
4. A patient with a coinfection of hepatitis G and hepatitis C undergoes a direct probe test to monitor the viral load of the hepatitis G virus.
5. A lab analyst performs a direct nucleic acid probe technique to detect the presence of the hepatitis G virus in a patient’s plasma sample, which was collected using a separate venipuncture code.