How To Use CPT Code 87902

CPT 87902 describes the analysis of the genotype of the hepatitis C virus using nucleic acid testing. 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 87902?

CPT 87902 can be used to analyze the specific genotype of the hepatitis C virus using nucleic acid testing. This code is used when a lab analyst performs the technical steps to determine the genetic makeup of the virus in a specimen, such as serum, from a hepatitis C positive patient.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 87902 is: ‘Infectious agent genotype analysis by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Hepatitis C virus.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs all technical steps to analyze the specimen, typically serum, from a hepatitis C positive patient.
2. The analyst uses a procedure like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to multiply the number of copies of the specific nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) of the hepatitis C virus in the specimen.
3. A nucleic acid probe containing the specific nucleic acid sequence of the hepatitis C virus is used to determine the specific genotype of the virus.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 87902 is used when a patient shows signs of liver disease or has a history of intravenous drug use. It is not limited to testing for a specific condition, but providers may order this analysis if there is a suspicion of hepatitis C infection.

5. When to use CPT code 87902

CPT code 87902 should be used when there is a need to analyze the genotype of the hepatitis C virus using nucleic acid testing. It is appropriate to bill this code when the lab analyst performs the technical steps to determine the specific genotype of the virus in a specimen from a hepatitis C positive patient.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 87902, the documentation should include:

• Patient’s signs of liver disease or history of intravenous drug use
• Details of the technical steps performed by the lab analyst
• Specific nucleic acid probe used for the analysis

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 87902, ensure that the analysis is performed by a lab analyst and that the specific genotype of the hepatitis C virus is determined using nucleic acid testing. There may be separate codes for collecting the specimen, such as code 36415 for venous blood collection.

8. Historical information

CPT 87902 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2002. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs nucleic acid testing to determine the genotype of the hepatitis C virus in a serum specimen from a patient with suspected hepatitis C infection.
2. A provider orders genotype analysis of the hepatitis C virus using nucleic acid testing for a patient with signs of liver disease.
3. A patient with a history of intravenous drug use undergoes nucleic acid testing to determine the specific genotype of the hepatitis C virus.
4. A lab analyst uses nucleic acid testing to analyze the genotype of the hepatitis C virus in a specimen from a patient with a positive hepatitis C test result.
5. A provider requests genotype analysis of the hepatitis C virus using nucleic acid testing for a patient with risk factors for hepatitis C infection.
6. A lab analyst performs nucleic acid testing to determine the specific genotype of the hepatitis C virus in a serum specimen from a patient with elevated liver enzymes.
7. A patient with a history of intravenous drug use undergoes nucleic acid testing to identify the genotype of the hepatitis C virus.
8. A provider orders genotype analysis of the hepatitis C virus using nucleic acid testing for a patient with suspected acute hepatitis C infection.
9. A lab analyst performs nucleic acid testing to determine the genotype of the hepatitis C virus in a serum specimen from a patient with chronic hepatitis C infection.
10. A provider requests genotype analysis of the hepatitis C virus using nucleic acid testing for a patient with risk factors for hepatitis C transmission.