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The CPT® Code 87490 refers to the detection of the infectious agent Chlamydia trachomatis through nucleic acid techniques, specifically utilizing a direct probe method. This procedure is essential for identifying infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, which is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD). The infection often remains asymptomatic, particularly in women, which can lead to severe complications such as irreversible damage to the reproductive system and infertility. In men, while symptoms such as burning and itching of the urethra may occur, they typically do not experience long-term reproductive issues. The nucleic acid detection method employed in this procedure can include rapid tests that are suitable for use in a physician's office, utilizing test kits designed for this purpose. Specimens for testing are collected using a swab from areas such as the cervix, male urethra, or even the eye. The methodology for the test can vary based on the manufacturer of the test kit, with some employing a nucleic acid hybridization technique. This involves using a single-stranded chemiluminescent DNA probe that is complementary to the ribosomal RNA of the Chlamydia organism. The process includes lysing cells to release nucleic acids, which then hybridize with the labeled DNA probe, allowing for detection through a luminometer. This code is part of a broader set of codes that includes amplified probe techniques and quantification methods, which are used when the presence of Chlamydia nucleic acids is suspected to be low or when assessing the severity of an infection.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 87490 is indicated for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis infections. The following conditions and symptoms may warrant the use of this test:
The procedure for CPT® Code 87490 involves several key steps to accurately detect Chlamydia trachomatis through nucleic acid techniques. The following procedural steps are outlined:
After the procedure associated with CPT® Code 87490, the following post-procedure considerations are important:
Results from the nucleic acid detection test are typically available within a short timeframe, allowing for prompt diagnosis and treatment if necessary. Patients may be advised to follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss the results and any potential treatment options. If a positive result is obtained, appropriate antibiotic therapy will be initiated to treat the infection. Additionally, patients may be counseled on safe sexual practices to prevent reinfection and the spread of Chlamydia to partners. It is also important for sexually active individuals to undergo regular screenings as part of their routine healthcare to ensure early detection and management of STDs.
| Short Descr | CHLMYD TRACH DNA DIR PROBE | Medium Descr | IADNA CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS DIRECT PROBE TQ | Long Descr | Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Chlamydia trachomatis, 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) |
| 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. | 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. | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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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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