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The CPT® Code 87480 refers to the detection of infectious agents, specifically Candida species, through nucleic acid techniques, which can involve either DNA or RNA. This procedure utilizes a direct probe technique to identify the presence of Candida, a type of fungus that is typically found on the skin and in mucous membranes, including the vagina, mouth, and rectum. Under normal circumstances, Candida exists harmlessly; however, it can become pathogenic, leading to an infection known as Candidiasis moniliasis when there is a disruption in the body's chemical balance, allowing the fungus to proliferate uncontrollably. Certain populations, such as individuals on antibiotics, those who are immunocompromised, and infants, are particularly vulnerable to these infections. Candidiasis can manifest in various areas, including the mouth, skin, nails, and vagina, and in rarer cases, it may affect the esophagus or gastrointestinal tract. The nucleic acid tests for Candida are primarily conducted for vaginal infections and can include rapid testing methods that may be performed in a physician's office using specialized test kits. The process for CPT® Code 87480 involves obtaining a vaginal swab, which is then treated with a lysate to break down cells and release nucleic acids. This sample undergoes a series of steps, including incubation and washing, to detect the presence of Candida-specific nucleic acids, ultimately resulting in a color change that indicates a positive or negative result for the infection.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 87480 is indicated for the detection of Candida species in patients who may be experiencing symptoms of a Candida infection. The following conditions and situations warrant the use of this test:
The procedure for CPT® Code 87480 involves several detailed steps to ensure accurate detection of Candida species. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the completion of the procedure associated with CPT® Code 87480, the results are interpreted based on the color change observed on the test slide. A blue color indicates the presence of Candida, while the absence of color signifies a negative result. Patients may be advised on the next steps depending on the outcome of the test, which could include further diagnostic testing or initiation of antifungal treatment if an infection is confirmed. It is important for healthcare providers to communicate the results to the patient and discuss any necessary follow-up care or additional testing that may be required based on the clinical context.
| Short Descr | CANDIDA DNA DIR PROBE | Medium Descr | IADNA CANDIDA SPECIES DIRECT PROBE TQ | Long Descr | Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Candida species, direct probe technique | 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) |
| 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. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | Q4 | Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption | 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. | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | 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. | CC | Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed) | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | FP | Service provided as part of family planning program | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | GY | Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | QW | Clia waived test | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 1998-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1998. |
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