How To Use CPT Code 87532

CPT 87532 describes the detection of Herpes virus 6 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 87532?

CPT 87532 can be used to detect the presence of Herpes virus 6 using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique. This code is used when a lab analyst performs a test on a specimen, such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or saliva, to assess the presence of Herpes virus 6 using a nucleic acid probe. The amplified probe technique allows for the detection of very small amounts of the virus.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87532 is: ‘Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Herpes virus-6, amplified probe technique.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst processes the specimen, such as blood, CSF, or saliva, and performs amplification techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), to increase the number of copies of the specific target nucleic acid sequence.
2. The lab analyst then assesses the presence of the amplified nucleic acid sequences that indicate the presence of Herpes virus 6 using a nucleic acid probe.
3. The nucleic acid probe is a fabricated single strand sequence of DNA or RNA that is designed to join with the complementary sequence in the specimen through a process called hybridization.
4. The nucleic acid probe includes a label, such as a radioactive or chemical tag, that allows the lab analyst to visualize the hybridization product.
5. The amplified probe technique enables the detection of very small amounts of Herpes virus 6 in the specimen.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87532 is used to detect the presence of Herpes virus 6 in a specimen. This test may be ordered by clinicians to diagnose infection with Herpes virus 6. Infection with Herpes virus 6 is common in children and can cause a benign rash called roseola. In certain adults, reactivation of the virus can lead to more serious diseases such as encephalitis or hepatitis. The test is performed by a lab analyst using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique.

5. When to use CPT code 87532

CPT code 87532 should be used when there is a need to detect the presence of Herpes virus 6 in a specimen using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique. This code is appropriate when the lab analyst performs the test and assesses the presence of the virus using a nucleic acid probe. It is important to note that CPT code 87532 should not be used for other types of tests or for the detection of other infectious agents.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 87532, the following documentation is required:

• Indication for the test, such as suspected infection with Herpes virus 6
• Details of the specimen used for the test, such as blood, CSF, or saliva
• Description of the amplified nucleic acid probe technique used
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the test indicating the presence or absence of Herpes virus 6
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 87532, ensure that the test is performed using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique to detect Herpes virus 6. It is important to use the appropriate code for the specific test being performed, as there are different codes for direct probe, amplified probe, and quantification tests for Herpes virus 6. It is also important to follow any specific guidelines provided by payers regarding the billing of this code.

8. Historical information

CPT code 87532 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 an amplified nucleic acid probe technique to detect the presence of Herpes virus 6 in a blood sample.
2. A clinician orders a test for Herpes virus 6 using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique on a CSF specimen to diagnose a suspected infection.
3. A lab analyst uses an amplified nucleic acid probe technique to assess the presence of Herpes virus 6 in a saliva sample.
4. A patient with symptoms suggestive of Herpes virus 6 infection undergoes a test using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique on a blood sample.
5. A lab analyst performs an amplified nucleic acid probe technique to detect the presence of Herpes virus 6 in a CSF specimen from a patient with suspected encephalitis.
6. A clinician orders a test for Herpes virus 6 using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique on a saliva sample to confirm a suspected infection.
7. A lab analyst uses an amplified nucleic acid probe technique to assess the presence of Herpes virus 6 in a blood sample from a patient with a rash suggestive of roseola.
8. A patient with a history of Herpes virus 6 infection undergoes a test using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique on a CSF specimen to monitor for reactivation of the virus.
9. A lab analyst performs an amplified nucleic acid probe technique to detect the presence of Herpes virus 6 in a saliva sample from a patient with suspected hepatitis.
10. A clinician orders a test for Herpes virus 6 using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique on a blood sample to rule out infection in a patient with unexplained symptoms.