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 87485 refers to a laboratory test designed to detect the infectious agent Chlamydia pneumoniae through the use of nucleic acid detection techniques, specifically targeting DNA or RNA. Chlamydia pneumoniae is classified as an atypical bacterium that is transmitted from person to person via respiratory secretions. Infections caused by this organism can manifest in various respiratory conditions, including pneumonia, bronchitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, and sinusitis. The procedure utilizes a direct probe technique, which involves identifying a unique nucleic acid sequence known as the target sequence that corresponds to the C. pneumoniae organism, should it be present in the respiratory secretion sample collected from the patient. During the test, the sample undergoes treatment to release nucleic acids from the target organism, if it exists. A labeled probe, which may be tagged with fluorescent or chemiluminescent markers, is then introduced to the sample. This probe is designed to specifically bind to the target sequence, forming a stable hybrid when a match is found. The test often focuses on ribosomal RNA, as it is typically found in high quantities within microorganisms, making it a more reliable target compared to genomic DNA, which is usually present in fewer copies. For enhanced sensitivity, an amplified probe technique, referenced by CPT® Code 87486, can be employed, which involves exponentially multiplying the target sequence of C. pneumoniae DNA or RNA into millions of copies. The most prevalent amplification methods include polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Following amplification, the replicated sequences are identified using labeled DNA probes. Additionally, CPT® Code 87487 pertains to nucleic acid detection with quantification, which assesses the number of microorganisms present by employing quantitative or real-time PCR techniques. This approach allows for the amplification of the isolated nucleic acid segment and generates reports at each stage to document the absolute or relative amounts of the known nucleic acid sequence detected in the sample.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure associated with CPT® Code 87485 is indicated for the detection of the infectious agent Chlamydia pneumoniae in patients presenting with respiratory symptoms. The following conditions may warrant the use of this test:
The procedure for CPT® Code 87485 involves several critical steps to accurately detect Chlamydia pneumoniae in respiratory secretions. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the completion of the procedure associated with CPT® Code 87485, the laboratory will analyze the results to determine the presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae in the sample. The expected outcome is a report indicating whether the target nucleic acid was detected. If the test is positive, further clinical evaluation and management may be necessary based on the patient's symptoms and overall health status. It is important for healthcare providers to interpret the results in conjunction with clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Additionally, any follow-up care or treatment recommendations will depend on the specific diagnosis and the patient's response to therapy.
| Short Descr | CHLMYD PNEUM DNA DIR PROBE | Medium Descr | IADNA CHLAMYDIA PNEUMONIAE DIRECT PROBE TQ | Long Descr | Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Chlamydia pneumoniae, 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) |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 2022-01-01 | Note | Short description changed. |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 1998-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1998. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.