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The CPT® Code 87550 refers to a laboratory test designed for the detection of the infectious agent Mycobacteria species through the use of nucleic acid analysis, specifically targeting DNA or RNA. Mycobacteria species encompass a variety of gram-positive, acid-fast bacteria, which include notable organisms such as M. bovis, M. africanum, M. kansasii, M. gordanae, M. asiaticum, M. gastri, M. malmoense, M. marinum, M. scrofulaceum, M. simiae, and M. szulgai. Infections caused by these species can manifest through a range of symptoms, primarily respiratory illnesses and skin lesions, which are often chronic and progressive in nature. The direct probe technique utilized in this test is specifically designed to identify a unique nucleic acid sequence, known as the target sequence, associated with the Mycobacteria organism, should it be present in a respiratory or tissue sample. This process involves the use of a probe that is labeled with either fluorescent or chemiluminescent markers. The sample undergoes treatment to release nucleic acids from the target organism, allowing the labeled probe to selectively bind to the matching target sequence, thereby forming a stable hybrid. The test often focuses on ribosomal RNA, which is abundant in microorganisms, as opposed to genomic DNA, which is typically present in fewer copies. For enhanced sensitivity, an amplified probe technique, referenced by CPT® Code 87551, may be employed, where the target sequence of Mycobacteria DNA or RNA is exponentially multiplied, often utilizing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). This amplification allows for the identification of replicated sequences through labeled DNA probes. Furthermore, CPT® Code 87552 pertains to nucleic acid detection with quantification, which assesses the quantity of microorganisms present by employing quantitative or real-time PCR to amplify the isolated nucleic acid segment and generate detailed reports on the absolute or relative amounts of the known nucleic acid sequence.
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The CPT® Code 87550 is indicated for the detection of Mycobacteria species in patients who may present with symptoms associated with infections caused by these organisms. The following conditions and symptoms may warrant the use of this laboratory test:
The procedure for CPT® Code 87550 involves several critical steps to ensure accurate detection of Mycobacteria species through nucleic acid analysis:
After the completion of the procedure associated with CPT® Code 87550, the laboratory will analyze the results and generate a report detailing the presence or absence of Mycobacteria species in the sample. The results are typically communicated to the requesting physician, who will interpret the findings in the context of the patient's clinical presentation. Depending on the results, further diagnostic testing or treatment may be recommended. It is important for healthcare providers to consider the possibility of false negatives or positives and to correlate laboratory findings with clinical symptoms for accurate diagnosis and management of potential infections.
| Short Descr | MYCOBACTERIA DNA DIR PROBE | Medium Descr | IADNA MYCOBACTERIA SPECIES DIRECT PROBE TQ | Long Descr | Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Mycobacteria species, 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. |
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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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