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The CPT® Code 87487 refers to a laboratory test designed for the detection of the infectious agent Chlamydia pneumoniae through the analysis of nucleic acids, specifically 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 testing process involves a direct probe test, which utilizes a specific nucleic acid sequence known as the target sequence of the C. pneumoniae organism. This target sequence is identified if it is present in the respiratory secretion sample collected from the patient. To facilitate the detection, the probe used in the test is labeled with either fluorescent or chemiluminescent markers. The sample undergoes treatment to release nucleic acids from the target organism, if it exists in the sample. The labeled probe then selectively binds to the matching target sequence, forming a stable hybrid. Ribosomal RNA is often the focus of these tests due to its abundance in microorganisms, typically existing in thousands of copies, compared to the limited presence of genomic DNA, which may only have 1-2 copies. In cases where enhanced sensitivity is required, an amplified probe technique is employed. This method significantly increases the assay's sensitivity by exponentially multiplying the target sequence of C. pneumoniae DNA or RNA into millions of copies. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) are the most commonly utilized amplification techniques. Following amplification, the replicated sequences are identified using labeled DNA probes. The specific procedure denoted by CPT® Code 87487 not only detects the presence of the nucleic acid but also quantifies the amplified sequences, providing valuable information regarding the number of microorganisms present in the sample. Quantitative or real-time PCR is frequently used in this context to amplify the isolated nucleic acid segment and generate a report that documents the absolute or relative amounts of the known nucleic acid sequence.
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The CPT® Code 87487 is indicated for the detection and quantification of Chlamydia pneumoniae in patients presenting with respiratory symptoms. The following conditions may warrant the use of this test:
The procedure for CPT® Code 87487 involves several critical steps to ensure accurate detection and quantification of Chlamydia pneumoniae. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the completion of the procedure associated with CPT® Code 87487, the laboratory will analyze the results and generate a report detailing the presence and quantity of Chlamydia pneumoniae detected in the sample. Clinicians will review these results to inform diagnosis and treatment decisions. It is essential for healthcare providers to consider the clinical context and symptoms of the patient when interpreting the results. Follow-up care may include additional testing or treatment based on the findings, and patients should be monitored for any signs of complications related to the infection.
| Short Descr | CHLMYD PNEUM DNA QUANT | Medium Descr | IADNA CHLAMYDIA PNEUMONIAE QUANTIFICATION | Long Descr | Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Chlamydia pneumoniae, quantification | 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. | 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. |
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| 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. |
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