How To Use CPT Code 87591

CPT 87591 describes the detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, also known as GC, 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 87591?

CPT 87591 can be used to detect the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a bacterium that causes the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhea. This code specifically refers to the use of an amplified nucleic acid probe technique to identify the presence of the bacteria in a patient’s specimen. The test is most commonly performed on samples taken from the urogenital tract, such as vaginal or penile swabs, but it can also be used for specimens from other areas of the body.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87591 is: ‘Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Neisseria gonorrhoeae, amplified probe technique.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst receives the patient’s specimen, typically from the urogenital tract, and processes it for testing.
2. The lab analyst performs an amplification technique, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), to increase the number of copies of the specific target nucleic acid sequence.
3. The lab analyst then uses a nucleic acid probe, which is a fabricated single strand sequence of DNA or RNA, to join with the complementary sequence in the specimen through a process called hybridization.
4. If the nucleic acid probe successfully hybridizes with the target sequence, it indicates the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the specimen.
5. The lab analyst visualizes the hybridization product using a label attached to the nucleic acid probe, such as a radioactive or chemical tag.
6. The presence or absence of the hybridization product determines the result of the test, indicating whether Neisseria gonorrhoeae is present in the patient’s specimen.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87591 is used when there is a suspicion of gonorrhea infection in a patient. The test is most commonly performed on specimens from the urogenital tract, but it can also be used for specimens from other areas of the body. It is important to note that CPT 87591 specifically detects Neisseria gonorrhoeae and should not be used for testing other organisms.

5. When to use CPT code 87591

CPT code 87591 should be used when there is a need to detect the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique. It is appropriate to use this code when there is a suspicion of gonorrhea infection and the test is performed on a specimen from the urogenital tract or other relevant areas of the body.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87591, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as suspicion of gonorrhea infection
• Details of the specimen, including the source and any relevant clinical information
• Description of the amplification technique used, such as PCR
• Explanation of the hybridization process and the nucleic acid probe used
• Result of the test, indicating the presence or absence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87591, ensure that the test is performed using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique to detect Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is important to use this code only for testing Neisseria gonorrhoeae and not for other organisms. If a single test screens for both Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, use CPT code 87801 instead. It is also important to distinguish between direct probe, amplified probe, and quantification tests for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, using the appropriate codes (87590, 87591, and 87592, respectively).

8. Historical information

CPT 87591 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 Neisseria gonorrhoeae in a vaginal swab specimen from a patient with suspected gonorrhea infection.
2. A patient presents with symptoms of gonorrhea, and a penile swab specimen is collected for testing using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique to detect Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
3. A lab analyst processes a rectal swab specimen from a patient with suspected gonorrhea infection and performs an amplified nucleic acid probe technique to detect Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
4. A patient with a sore throat undergoes testing using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique on a throat swab specimen to detect Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
5. A lab analyst performs an amplified nucleic acid probe technique on a specimen from a patient’s eye discharge to detect Neisseria gonorrhoeae in a suspected case of gonorrhea infection.
6. A patient with multiple sexual partners undergoes testing using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique on a vaginal swab specimen to detect Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
7. A lab analyst processes a urine specimen from a pregnant woman for testing using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique to detect Neisseria gonorrhoeae and prevent transmission to the newborn.