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The CPT® Code 87510 refers to the detection of the infectious agent Gardnerella vaginalis through nucleic acid techniques, specifically utilizing a direct probe method. This procedure is essential for identifying the presence of Gardnerella vaginalis, a bacterium commonly associated with bacterial vaginosis, which affects the female genital tract. The direct probe technique involves the extraction and analysis of nucleic acids, either DNA or RNA, from a sample obtained via a vaginal swab. This method is particularly valuable in clinical settings as it allows for rapid testing, which can often be performed in a physician's office using specialized test kits. The process begins with the collection of a vaginal swab, which is then treated with a lysate to break down cells and release the nucleic acids. The lysate is introduced into a sample well, where it undergoes a series of robotic incubations and washes to ensure that only the target nucleic acids are captured and analyzed. The specificity of the test is enhanced by the use of a Gardnerella-specific probe that binds to the target DNA sequence, facilitating the detection of the organism. A color change in the test indicates the presence of Gardnerella vaginalis, providing a clear and immediate result for the clinician. This procedure is part of a broader category of nucleic acid tests, which may also include amplified probe techniques and quantification methods for more comprehensive analysis of the infection.
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The CPT® Code 87510 is indicated for the detection of Gardnerella vaginalis in patients presenting with symptoms or conditions associated with bacterial vaginosis. The following are specific indications for performing this procedure:
The procedure for CPT® Code 87510 involves several detailed steps to ensure accurate detection of Gardnerella vaginalis. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the completion of the procedure associated with CPT® Code 87510, the clinician will review the test results to determine the presence of Gardnerella vaginalis. If the test is positive, appropriate treatment options will be discussed with the patient, which may include antibiotics or other therapeutic measures to address bacterial vaginosis. Patients may be advised on follow-up appointments to monitor their condition and assess the effectiveness of the treatment. Additionally, it is important for healthcare providers to document the results and any subsequent actions taken in the patient's medical record to ensure continuity of care and compliance with clinical guidelines.
| Short Descr | GARDNER VAG DNA DIR PROBE | Medium Descr | IADNA GARDNERELLA VAGINALIS DIRECT PROBE TQ | Long Descr | Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Gardnerella vaginalis, 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. | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | 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. | Q4 | Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | 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 | KX | Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | 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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