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The CPT® Code 87652 refers to a laboratory test designed for the detection of the infectious agent known as Streptococcus, group A (GAS) through the analysis of nucleic acids, specifically DNA or RNA. This test is crucial for identifying the presence of GAS, which is primarily transmitted via respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected skin lesions, such as those seen in impetigo. Additionally, there have been instances of transmission through contaminated food and water. The clinical manifestations of GAS infections are diverse, commonly presenting as respiratory illnesses and skin infections, but they can also lead to more severe conditions such as meningitis, osteomyelitis, toxic shock syndrome, and necrotizing fasciitis. The testing process involves a direct probe test, which utilizes a specific nucleic acid sequence known as the target sequence of the GAS bacterium. This sequence is identified if it is present in the respiratory or other biological samples. The probe used in this test is labeled with either fluorescent or chemiluminescent markers, allowing for precise detection. The sample undergoes treatment to release nucleic acids from the target organism, if it exists, and the labeled probe selectively binds to the matching target sequence, forming a stable hybrid. In many cases, ribosomal RNA is the focus of detection due to its abundance in microorganisms, often existing in thousands of copies compared to the limited 1-2 copies found in genomic DNA. The sensitivity of the assay can be significantly enhanced through an amplified probe technique, which involves exponentially multiplying the target sequence of GAS DNA or RNA into millions of copies. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) are the most commonly employed amplification methods. Following amplification, the replicated sequences are identified using labeled DNA probes. The quantification aspect of this test, as indicated by CPT® Code 87652, provides an assessment of the number of microorganisms present in the sample, often utilizing quantitative or real-time PCR to amplify the isolated nucleic acid segment and generate a detailed report documenting the absolute or relative amounts of the known nucleic acid sequence.
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The CPT® Code 87652 is indicated for the detection and quantification of the infectious agent Streptococcus, group A (GAS) in various clinical scenarios. The following conditions and symptoms may warrant the use of this test:
The procedure for CPT® Code 87652 involves several key steps to ensure accurate detection and quantification of Streptococcus, group A. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the completion of the procedure associated with CPT® Code 87652, the laboratory will analyze the results and generate a report. The report will include the quantification of the detected GAS nucleic acid, which aids in assessing the severity of the infection. Clinicians may use this information to guide treatment decisions. It is important for healthcare providers to interpret the results in conjunction with clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Follow-up care may be necessary based on the results, particularly in cases of severe infections where immediate intervention is required. Additionally, proper documentation of the procedure and results is essential for compliance and billing purposes.
| Short Descr | STREP A DNA QUANT | Medium Descr | IADNA STREPTOCOCCUS GROUP A QUANTIFICATION | Long Descr | Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Streptococcus, group A, 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) |
| 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. | 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. | 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 | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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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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