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CPT®
87513

CPT® Code 87513

Official Description

Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), clarithromycin resistance, amplified probe technique

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 87513 refers to the detection of the infectious agent Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) by nucleic acid testing, specifically focusing on clarithromycin resistance. This procedure utilizes advanced molecular techniques, such as the amplification refractory mutation system combined with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (ARMS‐PCR), the H. pylori with Clarithromycin Resistance Prediction (HPFRP) real-time polymerase chain reaction, or fluorescence in situ hybridization. These methods are designed to identify specific mutations in the 23S ribosomal RNA of H. pylori that confer resistance to the macrolide antibiotic clarithromycin. The presence of these mutations is critical, as they can significantly impact treatment decisions for infections caused by H. pylori. The testing is performed on gastric secretions or gastric mucosa, allowing for the detection of the 23S rRNA gene and associated mutations that lead to antibiotic resistance, all without the need for traditional culture methods. This molecular approach enhances the accuracy and speed of diagnosing clarithromycin resistance in H. pylori, facilitating timely and appropriate therapeutic interventions.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 87513 is indicated for the detection of clarithromycin resistance in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections. This testing is particularly relevant in the following scenarios:

  • Diagnosis of H. pylori Infection This test is performed when there is a clinical suspicion of H. pylori infection, which is often associated with conditions such as peptic ulcers and gastritis.
  • Assessment of Antibiotic Resistance The procedure is indicated for patients who require evaluation of their H. pylori strain for resistance to clarithromycin, especially in cases where previous treatment attempts have failed.
  • Guiding Treatment Decisions Testing for clarithromycin resistance is crucial for guiding appropriate antibiotic therapy, ensuring that the selected treatment regimen is effective against the specific strain of H. pylori present in the patient.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 87513 involves several key steps to accurately detect clarithromycin resistance in H. pylori:

  • Sample Collection Gastric secretions or gastric mucosa samples are collected from the patient. This may involve endoscopic procedures to obtain tissue samples from the stomach lining, ensuring that the specimens are representative of the infection site.
  • DNA/RNA Extraction The collected samples undergo a process of nucleic acid extraction, where the DNA or RNA from the H. pylori bacteria is isolated. This step is critical for the subsequent amplification and detection of the target genetic material.
  • Amplification of Target Genes Using techniques such as ARMS‐PCR or real-time polymerase chain reaction, the extracted nucleic acids are amplified. This amplification process increases the quantity of the specific 23S rRNA gene, allowing for easier detection of mutations associated with clarithromycin resistance.
  • Detection of Mutations The amplified products are then analyzed to identify any mutations in the 23S ribosomal RNA that confer resistance to clarithromycin. This may involve fluorescence in situ hybridization or other molecular techniques to visualize and confirm the presence of resistance mutations.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the testing procedure associated with CPT® Code 87513, the following post-procedure considerations are important:

Results from the molecular testing are typically available within a short timeframe, allowing for prompt clinical decision-making. Physicians should review the findings to determine the presence of clarithromycin resistance, which will inform the choice of antibiotic therapy for the patient. It is essential to communicate the results to the patient and discuss potential treatment options based on the resistance profile. Additionally, any necessary follow-up care or further diagnostic evaluations should be planned based on the outcomes of the test.
Short Descr H PYLRI CLRTHMCN RST AMP PRB
Medium Descr IADNA H PYLORI CLARITHROMYCIN RESIST AMP PRB TQ
Long Descr Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), clarithromycin resistance, amplified 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) none
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
Date
Action
Notes
2025-01-01 Added Code Added.
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