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Official Description

Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Mycoplasma pneumoniae, quantification

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 87582 refers to a laboratory test designed for the detection of the infectious agent Mycoplasma pneumoniae through the analysis of nucleic acids, specifically DNA or RNA. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is classified as an atypical bacterium that is primarily transmitted via respiratory droplets. It is known to cause mild respiratory illnesses, which can manifest as pharyngitis, tracheobronchitis, or pneumonia, particularly in children and young adults. The test utilizes a direct probe method to identify a unique nucleic acid sequence, known as the target sequence, associated with the Mycoplasma pneumoniae organism, should it be present in a sample taken from respiratory or other bodily fluids. This process involves the use of a probe that is tagged with fluorescent or chemiluminescent markers. The sample undergoes treatment to release nucleic acids from the target organism, allowing the labeled probe to specifically bind to the matching target sequence, thereby forming a stable hybrid. Ribosomal RNA is often the focus of this detection method due to its abundance in microorganisms, as it is typically found in thousands of copies compared to the limited copies of genomic DNA. The assay's sensitivity is significantly enhanced through an amplified probe technique, which involves exponentially multiplying the target sequence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA or RNA into millions of copies. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) are the most frequently employed amplification techniques. Following amplification, the replicated sequences are identified using labeled DNA probes. The quantification aspect of this test, as indicated by CPT® Code 87582, provides a measurement of the number of microorganisms present in the sample. Quantitative or real-time PCR is often utilized to amplify the isolated nucleic acid segment, generating reports that document the absolute or relative amounts of the known nucleic acid sequence at each stage of the process.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The CPT® Code 87582 is indicated for the detection and quantification of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in patients presenting with respiratory symptoms. The following conditions may warrant the use of this test:

  • Respiratory Illness Symptoms such as cough, fever, and sore throat that may suggest an infection caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
  • Pneumonia Diagnosis in patients, particularly in children and young adults, where atypical pneumonia is suspected.
  • Tracheobronchitis Cases where inflammation of the trachea and bronchi is present, potentially linked to Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.
  • Pharyngitis Instances of sore throat that may be attributed to Mycoplasma pneumoniae, especially when other common pathogens have been ruled out.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 87582 involves several critical steps to ensure accurate detection and quantification of Mycoplasma pneumoniae. The process begins with the collection of a respiratory or other bodily fluid sample from the patient. This sample is then treated to release nucleic acids from any Mycoplasma pneumoniae organisms present. Following this, a direct probe test is employed, where a labeled probe that specifically targets the unique nucleic acid sequence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae is introduced to the sample. The probe is designed to bind only to the target sequence, forming a stable hybrid if the organism is present. To enhance the sensitivity of the test, an amplified probe technique is utilized, which involves the exponential amplification of the target nucleic acid sequence. This is typically achieved through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), which allows for the replication of the target DNA or RNA into millions of copies. After amplification, the replicated sequences are identified using labeled DNA probes. The final step involves quantifying the amplified nucleic acid sequences, providing a measurement of the number of Mycoplasma pneumoniae organisms present in the sample. This quantification is often performed using quantitative or real-time PCR, which generates reports documenting the absolute or relative amounts of the nucleic acid sequence detected.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for patients undergoing testing with CPT® Code 87582 typically involves monitoring for any potential side effects related to the sample collection process, such as discomfort or bleeding at the site of sample collection. Results from the test are usually available within a specified timeframe, allowing healthcare providers to make timely decisions regarding patient management. It is essential for healthcare professionals to interpret the results in conjunction with clinical findings and other diagnostic tests to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Follow-up may be necessary to discuss the results with the patient and to determine if further testing or treatment is required based on the findings of the Mycoplasma pneumoniae quantification.

Short Descr M.PNEUMON DNA QUANT
Medium Descr IADNA MYCOPLSM PNEUMONIAE QUANTIFICATION
Long Descr Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Mycoplasma pneumoniae, quantification
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)
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.
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
1998-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1998.
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