How To Use CPT Code 87582

CPT 87582 describes the quantification of infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae 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 87582?

CPT 87582 can be used to quantify the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a bacteria, using nucleic acid probe technique. This code is used when a lab analyst performs a test to assess the number of microorganisms present in a specimen, such as sputum, blood, or swabs, by evaluating the amplified nucleic acid sequences that indicate the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae using a nucleic acid probe.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87582 is: ‘Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Mycoplasma pneumoniae, quantification.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst processes the specimen from a direct source, such as sputum or blood.
2. Amplification techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), are performed to increase the number of copies of a specific target nucleic acid sequence.
3. The lab analyst evaluates the amplified nucleic acid sequences to determine the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae using a nucleic acid probe.
4. The nucleic acid probe, which is a fabricated single strand sequence of DNA or RNA, is used to join with the complementary sequence in the specimen through a process called hybridization.
5. 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.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87582 is used when there is a need to quantify the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in a specimen. This test is commonly performed to assess the efficacy of treatment for Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. It is not limited to testing for a specific condition, but Mycoplasma pneumoniae is known to cause atypical pneumonia, particularly in younger patients. It is also associated with community-acquired pneumonia and frequently linked to cold agglutinins.

5. When to use CPT code 87582

CPT code 87582 should be used when there is a need to quantify the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae using nucleic acid probe technique. It is appropriate to bill this code when the lab analyst performs the test and provides a quantification result for the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in the specimen.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87582, the following documentation is required:

• Specimen source and type
• Details of the amplification techniques used, such as PCR
• Results of the nucleic acid probe hybridization
• Quantification of the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87582, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst using nucleic acid probe technique to quantify the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This code should not be reported with other codes for direct probe or amplified probe tests for Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It is important to distinguish between these different tests to accurately reflect the services provided.

8. Historical information

CPT 87582 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 Mycoplasma pneumoniae using nucleic acid probe technique on a sputum specimen.
2. A patient with suspected Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection undergoes a blood test for quantification of the bacteria using nucleic acid probe technique.
3. A lab analyst evaluates the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in a swab specimen using nucleic acid probe technique and provides a quantification result.
4. After a patient has been on treatment for Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, a lab analyst performs a follow-up quantification test using nucleic acid probe technique to assess the efficacy of the treatment.
5. A sputum specimen from a patient with symptoms of atypical pneumonia is tested for the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae using nucleic acid probe technique, and the lab analyst provides a quantification result.
6. A lab analyst performs a quantification test for Mycoplasma pneumoniae using nucleic acid probe technique on a swab specimen collected from a patient with suspected community-acquired pneumonia.
7. Following treatment for Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, a lab analyst performs a quantification test using nucleic acid probe technique to determine if the bacteria have been eradicated.
8. A patient with symptoms of atypical pneumonia undergoes a blood test for quantification of Mycoplasma pneumoniae using nucleic acid probe technique.
9. A lab analyst evaluates the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in a sputum specimen using nucleic acid probe technique and provides a quantification result to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient.
10. After a patient has completed a course of antibiotics for Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, a lab analyst performs a quantification test using nucleic acid probe technique to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.