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The CPT® Code 87339 refers to a laboratory test designed to detect the presence of antigens associated with Helicobacter pylori, a gram-negative rod bacterium that can infect the lining of the stomach and/or duodenum. This infection is significant as it is linked to various gastrointestinal conditions, including gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, gastric adenocarcinoma, and potentially low-grade gastric lymphoma. The bacterium is primarily transmitted from person to person or through contaminated food and water sources. The test can be performed on different types of samples, including stool or blood, utilizing various immunoassay techniques such as enzyme immunoassay (EIA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), fluorescence immunoassay (FIA), and immunochemiluminometric assay (IMCA). These techniques are capable of detecting very small quantities of the H. pylori antigen by employing specific antibodies that bind to the antigen, followed by a detection method that produces a measurable signal, such as a color change or fluorescence. The results can be reported as qualitative, indicating the presence or absence of the antigen, or semi-quantitative, providing an estimate of the antigen concentration based on the intensity of the signal produced during the assay.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 87339 is indicated for the detection of Helicobacter pylori antigens in various clinical scenarios. The following conditions may warrant the use of this test:
The procedure for CPT® Code 87339 involves several key steps to ensure accurate detection of Helicobacter pylori antigens. The process begins with the collection of a specimen, which can be either a stool sample or a blood sample. The specimen is then prepared for analysis, either by placing it in a fixative or sending it fresh to the laboratory. Once in the laboratory, the sample undergoes testing using one of the immunoassay techniques. For instance, in the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), a specific antibody is added to the sample, which binds to the H. pylori antigen if present. A secondary enzyme-labeled antibody is then introduced, which binds to the antigen-antibody complex. The addition of a substrate leads to a chromogenic reaction, resulting in a visible color change that can be measured. In the fluorescence immunoassay (FIA), a fluorescent compound is used to detect the binding of the detection antibody to the antigen, with the emitted light being measured to determine the presence of the antigen. Lastly, the immunochemiluminometric assay (IMCA) employs antibodies labeled with a chemiluminescent substance, allowing for the identification and quantification of the antigen-antibody complex through light emission. The results of these tests can be reported as either qualitative or semi-quantitative, providing essential information for diagnosis and treatment planning.
After the completion of the testing procedure associated with CPT® Code 87339, the laboratory will analyze the results and report them to the requesting physician. The interpretation of the results will help guide further clinical management of the patient. If the test indicates the presence of H. pylori antigens, the physician may consider additional diagnostic evaluations or initiate appropriate treatment protocols, such as antibiotic therapy. It is important for healthcare providers to discuss the results with the patient, including any necessary follow-up actions or lifestyle modifications. Patients may also be advised on potential symptoms to monitor and when to seek further medical attention. Overall, the post-procedure phase is crucial for ensuring that the patient receives comprehensive care based on the test outcomes.
| Short Descr | H PYLORI AG IA | Medium Descr | IAAD IA HPYLORI | Long Descr | Infectious agent antigen detection by immunoassay technique (eg, enzyme immunoassay [EIA], enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA], fluorescence immunoassay [FIA], immunochemiluminometric assay [IMCA]), qualitative or semiquantitative; Helicobacter pylori | 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) |
| 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. | 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. | QW | Clia waived test |
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Notes
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| 2022-01-01 | Changed | First appearance of change in codebook. |
| 2022-01-01 | Note | Grammatical correction. |
| 2021-01-01 | Changed | First appearance of change in CPT® Code Set. |
| 2020-10-06 | Changed | Code changed. |
| 2016-01-01 | Changed | Description Changed |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2007-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2001-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2001. |
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