How To Use CPT Code 87632

CPT 87632 describes the detection of respiratory viruses using nucleic acid amplification techniques. 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 87632?

CPT 87632 can be used to identify respiratory viruses using nucleic acid amplification techniques. This code is used when a lab analyst performs a test to detect the presence of a respiratory virus, such as adenovirus, influenza virus, coronavirus, metapneumovirus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, or rhinovirus. The test involves using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique, which may also include a multiplex reverse transcription technique, to identify six to eleven target viruses.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87632 is: ‘Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); respiratory virus (eg, adenovirus, influenza virus, coronavirus, metapneumovirus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus), includes multiplex reverse transcription, when performed, and multiplex amplified probe technique, multiple types or subtypes, 6-11 targets.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a specimen, such as blood, from the patient.
2. The lab analyst performs an amplification technique, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), to increase the number of copies of a specific 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 identify the presence of the amplified nucleic acid sequences.
4. The lab analyst may also use a multiplex reverse transcription technique, which involves using multiple strands of RNA as primers to produce multiple DNA sequences specific to the RNA primers.
5. The lab analyst assesses the presence of respiratory viruses, such as adenovirus, influenza virus, coronavirus, metapneumovirus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, or rhinovirus, based on the hybridization of the nucleic acid probe with the complementary sequence in the specimen.
6. The lab analyst visualizes the hybridization product using a label, such as a radioactive or chemical tag, attached to the nucleic acid probe.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87632 is used when there is a need to identify respiratory viruses in patients. This test is commonly ordered to diagnose infections caused by different types of adenoviruses, which can be associated with respiratory disease, conjunctivitis, and gastroenteritis. It is also used to diagnose human coronavirus, metapneumovirus, influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus. The test can be performed on patients of all ages.

5. When to use CPT code 87632

CPT code 87632 should be used when a lab analyst performs a test to detect respiratory viruses using nucleic acid amplification techniques. This code is appropriate when the test identifies six to eleven target viruses. If the test identifies 12 to 25 viruses, CPT code 87633 should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87632, the following documentation is required:

• Indication of the need for respiratory virus detection
• Details of the amplification technique used, such as PCR
• Identification of the specific respiratory viruses detected
• Documentation of the nucleic acid probe technique and any multiplex reverse transcription technique used
• Results of the test and interpretation
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87632, ensure that the test is performed by a qualified lab analyst using nucleic acid amplification techniques. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting this code, including the number of target viruses identified. Additionally, consider any additional codes that may be necessary for specimen collection. Proper documentation is essential for accurate billing and reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 87632 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2013. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs a test using nucleic acid amplification techniques to identify respiratory viruses in a patient with symptoms of fever, cough, and sore throat.
2. A patient presents with respiratory symptoms, and a lab analyst performs a test to detect the presence of adenovirus using nucleic acid amplification techniques.
3. A child with bronchiolitis undergoes a test to identify respiratory syncytial virus using nucleic acid amplification techniques.
4. A patient with suspected influenza infection undergoes a test to detect the influenza virus using nucleic acid amplification techniques.
5. A lab analyst performs a test to identify the presence of coronavirus in a patient with symptoms of acute respiratory infection.
6. A patient with suspected rhinovirus infection undergoes a test to detect the rhinovirus using nucleic acid amplification techniques.
7. A lab analyst performs a test to identify respiratory viruses in a patient with severe respiratory symptoms and a history of exposure to parainfluenza virus.
8. A patient with suspected metapneumovirus infection undergoes a test to detect the metapneumovirus using nucleic acid amplification techniques.
9. A lab analyst performs a test to identify respiratory viruses in a patient with symptoms of acute respiratory infection and a history of exposure to respiratory syncytial virus.