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The CPT® Code 87800 refers to a laboratory test designed for the detection of multiple infectious agents through the analysis of nucleic acids, specifically DNA or RNA. This procedure employs a direct probe technique, which is a method that utilizes labeled probes to identify unique nucleic acid sequences, known as target sequences, associated with the suspected infectious organisms present in a given sample. The test is particularly valuable in clinical settings where rapid and accurate identification of pathogens is crucial for effective patient management. The direct probe technique involves treating the sample to release nucleic acids from the target organisms, if they are indeed present. The labeled probe, which may be tagged with fluorescent or chemiluminescent markers, selectively binds to the target sequence, forming a stable hybrid. This method is advantageous because it can target ribosomal RNA, which is typically found in high quantities within microorganisms, thereby enhancing the likelihood of detection compared to genomic DNA, which may exist in fewer copies. Additionally, the procedure can be complemented by amplification techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), to significantly increase the sensitivity of the assay by exponentially replicating the target nucleic acid sequences before detection.
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The CPT® Code 87800 is indicated for use in various clinical scenarios where the detection of multiple infectious agents is necessary. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this laboratory test:
The procedure for CPT® Code 87800 involves several key steps to ensure accurate detection of infectious agents. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the completion of the procedure associated with CPT® Code 87800, the laboratory will analyze the results to determine the presence of the targeted infectious agents. The findings will be documented and reported to the healthcare provider, who will interpret the results in the context of the patient's clinical presentation. Depending on the results, further diagnostic testing or treatment may be initiated. It is essential for healthcare providers to consider the results alongside other clinical information to make informed decisions regarding patient care.
| Short Descr | DETECT AGNT MULT DNA DIREC | Medium Descr | IADNA MULTIPLE ORGANISMS DIRECT PROBE TQ | Long Descr | Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA), multiple organisms; direct probe(s) 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. | 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. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | 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 | GY | Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | KX | Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Guideline Information Changed |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2001-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2001. |
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