How To Use CPT Code 87592

CPT 87592 describes the quantification of infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae 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 87592?

CPT 87592 can be used to quantify the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection using nucleic acid probe technique. This code is used when a lab analyst performs a test to evaluate the number of microorganisms present in a specimen, typically obtained from the genital area, blood, or other areas of the body. The test involves amplification techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), to increase the copies of a specific target nucleic acid sequence. The lab analyst then uses a nucleic acid probe to identify and quantify the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the specimen.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87592 is: ‘Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Neisseria gonorrhoeae, quantification.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst processes the specimen obtained from a direct source, such as a swab from the genital area or blood.
2. Amplification techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), are performed to increase the copies of the target nucleic acid sequence.
3. The lab analyst 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. The nucleic acid probe includes a label, such as a radioactive or chemical tag, that allows the lab analyst to visualize and quantify the hybridization product.
5. The lab analyst assesses the amplified nucleic acid sequences to determine the presence and quantity of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the specimen.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87592 is used when there is a need to quantify the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection. This test is commonly performed to evaluate the efficacy of treatment, as a baseline quantification is followed by another quantification after the patient has been on treatment for a period of time. The test can be performed on specimens obtained from various sources, including the genital area, blood, or other areas of the body. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is primarily associated with gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease, but it can also cause infections of the eye, throat, or rectum.

5. When to use CPT code 87592

CPT code 87592 should be used when there is a need to quantify the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection using nucleic acid probe technique. It is appropriate to bill this code when the lab analyst performs the test and provides a quantitative result indicating the presence and quantity of the microorganism in the specimen.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87592, the following documentation is required:

• Indication of the need for quantification of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection
• Description of the specimen source
• Date of the test
• Quantitative result indicating the presence and quantity of Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87592, ensure that the test is performed by a qualified lab analyst using nucleic acid probe technique to quantify the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting this code with other codes. However, it is important to accurately report the test performed and avoid confusion with other related codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 87592 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 Neisseria gonorrhoeae using nucleic acid probe technique on a specimen obtained from the genital area of a patient with suspected gonorrhea.
2. After a patient has been on treatment for a period of time, a lab analyst performs a follow-up quantification test for Neisseria gonorrhoeae to assess the efficacy of the treatment.
3. A lab analyst performs a quantification test for Neisseria gonorrhoeae on a blood specimen obtained from a patient with suspected disseminated infection.
4. During a routine screening, a lab analyst performs a quantification test for Neisseria gonorrhoeae on a specimen obtained from the rectum of a patient.
5. A lab analyst performs a quantification test for Neisseria gonorrhoeae on a specimen obtained from the eye of a patient with suspected ocular infection.
6. After a patient has completed a course of antibiotics for gonorrhea, a lab analyst performs a quantification test to determine if the infection has been successfully eradicated.
7. A lab analyst performs a quantification test for Neisseria gonorrhoeae on a specimen obtained from the throat of a patient with suspected pharyngeal infection.
8. During a routine check-up, a lab analyst performs a quantification test for Neisseria gonorrhoeae on a specimen obtained from the genital area of a sexually active individual.
9. A lab analyst performs a quantification test for Neisseria gonorrhoeae on a specimen obtained from the genital area of a patient with recurrent gonorrhea.
10. After a patient has completed a course of treatment for gonorrhea, a lab analyst performs a quantification test to assess the success of the treatment and determine if further intervention is necessary.