Need help choosing the right code?
Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.
Try CasePilot© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The CPT® Code 87276 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed for the detection of the influenza A virus antigen using an immunofluorescent technique. This procedure is crucial in identifying the presence of the influenza A virus in respiratory samples, which is essential for diagnosing acute respiratory infections caused by this highly contagious virus. Influenza A is a single-stranded RNA virus that can lead to significant health issues, particularly in vulnerable populations. The symptoms associated with influenza A infection include fever, chills, muscle and body aches, headaches, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion. These symptoms typically manifest within a short period and can last from three to seven days, although the cough may persist for two weeks or longer. To perform this test, a respiratory sample is collected, which can be obtained through various methods such as nasopharyngeal swabs, aspirates, or washings, as well as endotracheal aspirates. The immunofluorescent technique employed in this test involves the use of specific antibodies that are conjugated to fluorescent dyes. When the sample is treated with these antibodies, they bind to the antigens present in the influenza A virus, allowing for visualization under an epifluorescence microscope. The presence of influenza A is indicated by a distinct yellow-gold staining of the viral cells, while influenza B, which can also be tested simultaneously, is marked by a bright green color. This test is particularly valuable for diagnosing acute illness in individuals exhibiting symptoms of influenza. However, it is important to note that a negative result should be confirmed with more sensitive methods such as viral culture or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to ensure accurate diagnosis.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure associated with CPT® Code 87276 is indicated for the detection of the influenza A virus in patients presenting with symptoms of an acute respiratory infection. The following conditions and symptoms warrant the performance of this test:
The procedure for detecting the influenza A virus antigen using CPT® Code 87276 involves several key steps that ensure accurate identification of the virus in respiratory samples. The following procedural steps are outlined:
After the completion of the influenza A antigen detection test, the patient may not require any specific post-procedure care related to the test itself. However, it is essential to monitor the patient for any ongoing symptoms of influenza. If the test result is positive, appropriate antiviral treatment may be initiated based on clinical guidelines. In cases of a negative result, especially if clinical suspicion remains high, further testing such as viral culture or RT-PCR should be considered to confirm the absence of the virus. Additionally, healthcare providers should continue to educate patients on the importance of preventive measures, such as vaccination and hygiene practices, to reduce the risk of influenza transmission.
| Short Descr | INFLUENZA A AG IF | Medium Descr | IAADI INFFLUENZA A VIRUS | Long Descr | Infectious agent antigen detection by immunofluorescent technique; influenza A virus | Status Code | Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 9 - Not Applicable | Multiple Procedures (51) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Co-Surgeons (62) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Team Surgery (66) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | CLIA Waived (QW) | No | APC Status Indicator | Conditionally packaged laboratory tests | Type of Service (TOS) | 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule) | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 206 - Microscopic examination (bacterial smear, culture, toxicology) |
| GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | 26 | Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number. | 90 | Reference (outside) laboratory: when laboratory procedures are performed by a party other than the treating or reporting physician or other qualified health care professional, the procedure may be identified by adding modifier 90 to the usual procedure number. | 91 | Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient. | PD | Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days | QW | Clia waived test | SA | Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2001-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 1998-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1998. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.