How To Use CPT Code 87662

CPT 87662 describes the process of detecting the Zika virus antigen 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 87662?

CPT 87662 can be used to identify the presence of the Zika virus antigen in a patient using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique. This code is utilized when a lab analyst performs a test to detect the Zika virus antigen by amplifying the nucleic acid sequences in a specimen and assessing their presence using a nucleic acid probe.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87662 is: ‘Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Zika virus, amplified probe technique.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst processes the specimen, such as blood or urine, and performs amplification techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to increase the number of copies of the Zika virus nucleic acid sequence.
2. 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 hybridization.
3. The hybridization product, formed by combining the probe and the specimen’s nucleic acid sequence, is visualized using a label attached to the probe.
4. If the Zika virus antigen is present in the specimen, the amplified probe technique will enable its detection.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87662 is used when clinicians order a test to diagnose Zika virus infection in patients with symptoms such as fever, rash, headache, or joint pain. It is also utilized to evaluate the potential risk of birth defects in asymptomatic pregnant patients who may have been exposed to the virus through travel or sexual contact.

5. When to use CPT code 87662

CPT code 87662 should be used when there is a clinical need to detect the Zika virus antigen using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique. It is not appropriate to use this code for tests that identify Zika virus antibodies.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87662, documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as symptoms or potential exposure
• Details of the specimen processed, including the source (blood, urine, or paired urine and serum specimens)
• Amplification techniques used, such as PCR
• Results of the nucleic acid probe hybridization
• Label used for visualization of the hybridization product

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87662, ensure that the test is performed using the amplified nucleic acid probe technique to detect the Zika virus antigen. It is important to note that some payers may separately reimburse for specimen collection using a different code, such as 36415. Additionally, for tests to identify Zika virus antibodies, a different code, 86794, should be used instead of CPT 87662.

8. Historical information

CPT 87662 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2018. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performing a test to detect the Zika virus antigen in a blood specimen using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique.
2. A clinician ordering a test to evaluate the potential risk of Zika virus infection in an asymptomatic pregnant patient who recently traveled to a Zika-affected area.
3. A lab technician processing a urine specimen and using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique to detect the Zika virus antigen in a patient with symptoms of fever and rash.
4. A healthcare provider ordering a test to diagnose Zika virus infection in a patient presenting with joint pain and headache.
5. A lab analyst performing an amplified nucleic acid probe technique to detect the Zika virus antigen in a paired urine and serum specimen from a patient with suspected exposure to the virus.
6. A clinician requesting a test to rule out Zika virus infection in a patient with symptoms of fever and headache.
7. A lab technician using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique to detect the Zika virus antigen in a blood specimen from a patient who recently traveled to a Zika-affected area.
8. A healthcare provider ordering a test to confirm Zika virus infection in a patient with symptoms of rash and joint pain.
9. A lab analyst performing a test to detect the Zika virus antigen in a urine specimen using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique for a patient with suspected exposure to the virus.
10. A clinician ordering a test to evaluate the potential risk of Zika virus infection in an asymptomatic pregnant patient with a history of travel to a Zika-affected area.