How To Use CPT Code 87539

CPT 87539 describes the quantification of HIV-2, including reverse transcription if performed, using nucleic acid detection. 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 87539?

CPT 87539 can be used to measure the amount of HIV-2 present in a patient’s specimen, also known as viral load. This code includes the quantification of HIV-2 and, if performed, the reverse transcription process where a nucleotide sequence is copied from an RNA template during DNA synthesis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87539 is: ‘Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); HIV-2, quantification, includes reverse transcription when performed.’

3. Procedure

1. A lab performs quantification to measure the amount of HIV-2 present in a patient’s specimen, such as blood serum.
2. If reverse transcription is performed, a nucleotide sequence is copied from an RNA template during DNA synthesis.
3. The lab uses the appropriate kit or device to perform the quantification and, if necessary, the reverse transcription process.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87539 is used when a lab performs quantification and, if necessary, reverse transcription for the detection of HIV-2. This code is applicable when testing a patient’s specimen, such as blood serum, to determine the viral load of HIV-2.

5. When to use CPT code 87539

CPT code 87539 should be used when a lab performs quantification and, if necessary, reverse transcription for the detection of HIV-2 in a patient’s specimen. This code is not appropriate for other infectious agents or for the detection of HIV-1.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87539, the lab must document the following information:

• Patient’s specimen type (e.g., blood serum)
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the quantification and, if performed, reverse transcription
• Signature of the lab technician or authorized personnel performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87539, ensure that the lab performs quantification and, if necessary, reverse transcription for the detection of HIV-2. This code should not be reported with other codes unless additional services are performed that are distinct from the quantification and reverse transcription process.

8. Historical information

CPT 87539 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 lab performs quantification and reverse transcription for the detection of HIV-2 in a patient’s blood serum specimen.
2. A patient undergoes testing to measure the viral load of HIV-2 using nucleic acid detection, including reverse transcription if necessary.
3. A lab technician performs quantification and reverse transcription to determine the amount of HIV-2 present in a patient’s specimen.
4. During the testing process, the lab quantifies the HIV-2 viral load and, if required, performs reverse transcription for accurate detection.
5. A patient’s blood serum specimen is tested for the presence of HIV-2 using nucleic acid detection, including quantification and reverse transcription if needed.
6. A lab performs quantification and reverse transcription to detect and measure the amount of HIV-2 in a patient’s specimen.
7. Using the appropriate kit, a lab quantifies the viral load of HIV-2 in a patient’s blood serum specimen, including reverse transcription if necessary.
8. A patient’s specimen is tested for HIV-2 using nucleic acid detection, with quantification and reverse transcription performed for accurate results.
9. A lab technician performs quantification and reverse transcription to determine the viral load of HIV-2 in a patient’s specimen.
10. During the testing process, the lab quantifies the amount of HIV-2 present in a patient’s specimen, including reverse transcription if required for accurate detection.