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The CPT® Code 87551 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 test utilizes an amplified probe technique, which significantly enhances the sensitivity of the assay by exponentially increasing the target nucleic acid sequences of Mycobacteria DNA or RNA. This is typically achieved through methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The process involves treating the sample to release nucleic acids from the target organism, followed by the application of a labeled probe that specifically binds to the target sequence, forming a stable hybrid. This advanced detection method allows for precise identification of Mycobacteria species, facilitating timely diagnosis and management of infections.
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The CPT® Code 87551 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 test:
The procedure for CPT® Code 87551 involves several critical steps to ensure accurate detection of Mycobacteria species. The following outlines the procedural steps:
Post-procedure care for patients undergoing testing with CPT® Code 87551 typically involves monitoring for any immediate reactions to the sample collection process, especially if invasive techniques were used. Patients may be advised to follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss the results of the test, which can take some time to process. Additionally, depending on the findings, further diagnostic testing or treatment may be necessary to address any identified infections. It is important for healthcare providers to ensure that patients understand the implications of the test results and any subsequent steps required for management of their condition.
| Short Descr | MYCOBACTERIA DNA AMP PROBE | Medium Descr | IADNA MYCOBACTERIA SPECIES AMPLIFIED PROBE TQ | Long Descr | Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Mycobacteria species, 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) | T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule) | MUE | 2 | CCS Clinical Classification | 206 - Microscopic examination (bacterial smear, culture, toxicology) |
| 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 | T3 | Left foot, fourth digit | T5 | Right foot, great toe | T6 | Right foot, second digit | T9 | Right foot, fifth digit | T8 | Right foot, fourth digit | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | 91 | Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient. | 99 | Multiple modifiers: under certain circumstances 2 or more modifiers may be necessary to completely delineate a service. in such situations modifier 99 should be added to the basic procedure, and other applicable modifiers may be listed as part of the description of the service. | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | T1 | Left foot, second digit | T4 | Left foot, fifth digit | T7 | Right foot, third digit | TA | Left foot, great toe |
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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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