How To Use CPT Code 87810

CPT 87810 describes the process of detecting the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis, a bacteria that commonly causes urogenital infections, through an immunoassay with direct optical observation. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 87810, including its official description, the procedure involved, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 87810?

CPT 87810 is used to identify the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis, a bacteria that is primarily responsible for urogenital infections. This code specifically refers to the use of an immunoassay with direct optical observation to detect the presence of the bacteria in a patient’s specimen. The test is typically performed on a swab taken from the urogenital area of a male or a vaginal swab from a female.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87810 is: ‘Infectious agent antigen detection by immunoassay with direct optical (i.e., visual) observation; Chlamydia trachomatis.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical steps of the immunoassay test to detect the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis in a patient’s specimen.
2. A swab from the urogenital area of a male or a vaginal swab from a female is collected as the specimen.
3. The swab is placed in a reagent containing an antibody specific to Chlamydia trachomatis.
4. The liquid mixture is then dropped onto a card or other medium that allows for direct optical observation.
5. If Chlamydia trachomatis is present in the specimen, the card may exhibit a color change or show a line or other visual indicator.
6. The lab analyst visually inspects the card to determine the presence or absence of Chlamydia trachomatis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87810 is typically ordered when there is a suspicion of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in a patient. It is commonly used for pregnant females or when a sexually transmitted disease is suspected. The test is performed by a lab analyst who follows the necessary technical steps to identify the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis using an immunoassay with direct optical observation.

5. When to use CPT code 87810

CPT code 87810 should be used when there is a need to detect the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis in a patient’s specimen using an immunoassay with direct optical observation. It is important to ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst and that the necessary technical steps are followed. This code should be used when there is a suspicion of Chlamydia trachomatis infection, particularly in pregnant females or when a sexually transmitted disease is suspected.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 87810, the following documentation is required:

• Patient’s information and reason for testing
• Details of the specimen collected
• Explanation of the immunoassay technique used
• Observation of direct optical results
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 87810, it is important to ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst and that the necessary technical steps are followed. This code should not be reported with other codes for Chlamydia detection using different techniques or for different organisms. It is crucial to accurately select the appropriate code based on the lab method used. Clinician offices often perform this test due to its simplicity and the fact that it does not require special equipment. It is important to note that CPT code 87810 is based on visual observation and may be described as an optical immunoassay.

8. Historical information

CPT code 87810 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1998. Since then, there have been two code changes related to the description of the code. The most recent change occurred on October 6, 2020, which updated the description to include direct optical observation.

9. Examples

1. A clinician ordering CPT code 87810 to detect the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis in a pregnant patient’s vaginal swab.
2. A healthcare provider suspecting a sexually transmitted disease and requesting CPT code 87810 for a male patient’s urogenital swab.
3. A lab analyst performing an immunoassay with direct optical observation using CPT code 87810 on a female patient’s vaginal swab to detect Chlamydia trachomatis.
4. A clinician ordering CPT code 87810 for a pregnant patient to screen for Chlamydia trachomatis infection.
5. A lab analyst visually inspecting a card for a color change or other visual indicator to determine the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis using CPT code 87810.
6. A healthcare provider ordering CPT code 87810 for a male patient with suspected Chlamydia trachomatis infection based on symptoms.
7. A lab analyst performing an immunoassay with direct optical observation using CPT code 87810 on a urogenital swab from a male patient to detect Chlamydia trachomatis.
8. A clinician ordering CPT code 87810 for a female patient with symptoms of a urogenital infection to test for Chlamydia trachomatis.
9. A lab analyst visually inspecting a card for a line or other visual indicator to determine the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis using CPT code 87810.
10. A healthcare provider ordering CPT code 87810 for a pregnant patient to screen for Chlamydia trachomatis infection during routine prenatal care.