How To Use CPT Code 87660

CPT 87660 describes the direct probe technique used to detect the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis, a protozoan parasite, in a primary specimen. 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 87660?

CPT 87660 can be used to describe the direct probe technique used to detect Trichomonas vaginalis, a protozoan parasite, in a primary specimen. This code is used when a lab analyst performs all the necessary technical steps to assess the presence of specific nucleic acid sequences that indicate the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis in a urogenital swab or other primary specimen. The lab analyst prepares the specimen and mixes it with a nucleic acid probe, which is a fabricated single-strand sequence of DNA or RNA that joins with the complementary sequence in the specimen through a process called hybridization. The presence of the hybridization product, if present, is visualized using a label attached to the nucleic acid probe.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87660 is: ‘Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Trichomonas vaginalis, direct probe technique.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst receives a primary specimen, most commonly a urogenital swab, for testing.
2. The lab analyst prepares the specimen and mixes it with a nucleic acid probe specific to Trichomonas vaginalis.
3. The nucleic acid probe and the complementary sequence in the specimen form a double-stranded DNA or RNA molecule through hybridization.
4. If the hybridization product is present, it is visualized using a label attached to the nucleic acid probe.
5. The lab analyst interprets the results and reports the presence or absence of Trichomonas vaginalis in the specimen.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87660 is used when a lab analyst performs the direct probe technique to detect Trichomonas vaginalis in a primary specimen. This test is commonly ordered if a sexually transmitted disease is suspected, the patient has malodorous discharge from the genital tract, or as confirmation if the suspected parasite is seen as a contaminant in the urine.

5. When to use CPT code 87660

CPT code 87660 should be used when the direct probe technique is performed to detect Trichomonas vaginalis in a primary specimen. It should not be used for other infectious agents or for amplified probe tests for Trichomonas vaginalis.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87660, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Primary specimen received for testing
• Specific nucleic acid probe used for Trichomonas vaginalis detection
• Results of the direct probe technique, indicating the presence or absence of Trichomonas vaginalis

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87660, ensure that the direct probe technique is performed to detect Trichomonas vaginalis in a primary specimen. This code should not be reported for other infectious agents or for amplified probe tests for Trichomonas vaginalis. If the lab performs infectious agent antigen detection tests involving multiple organisms using the direct probe technique, a single code, such as 87800, should be reported instead of reporting multiple test codes. It is important to distinguish between CPT 87660 and CPT 87661, which is used for amplified probe tests for Trichomonas vaginalis.

8. Historical information

CPT 87660 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2004. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs the direct probe technique to detect Trichomonas vaginalis in a urogenital swab specimen.
2. A primary care physician orders the direct probe technique to confirm the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis in a urine specimen that was suspected to be contaminated with the parasite.
3. A gynecologist requests the direct probe technique to detect Trichomonas vaginalis in a vaginal discharge specimen from a patient with malodorous symptoms.
4. An urgent care clinic sends a urogenital swab specimen to the lab for the direct probe technique to test for Trichomonas vaginalis in a patient with suspected sexually transmitted disease.
5. A lab analyst performs the direct probe technique on a primary specimen to detect Trichomonas vaginalis in a patient with symptoms of trichomoniasis.
6. A urologist orders the direct probe technique to confirm the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis in a urine specimen from a patient with recurrent urinary tract infections.
7. A family physician requests the direct probe technique to detect Trichomonas vaginalis in a vaginal swab specimen from a patient with persistent vaginal itching.
8. A sexual health clinic sends a urogenital swab specimen to the lab for the direct probe technique to test for Trichomonas vaginalis in a patient with multiple sexual partners.
9. A lab analyst performs the direct probe technique on a primary specimen to detect Trichomonas vaginalis in a patient with unexplained genital discharge.
10. A gynecologist orders the direct probe technique to confirm the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis in a vaginal swab specimen from a patient with pelvic inflammatory disease.