Need help choosing the right code?
Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.
Try CasePilot© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The CPT® Code 87902 refers to the process of conducting an infectious agent genotype analysis specifically for the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) through nucleic acid testing, which can involve either DNA or RNA. This analysis is crucial for understanding the genetic makeup of the virus, which is essential for tailoring effective treatment strategies. Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver, leading to acute inflammation that can progress to chronic conditions, including liver dysfunction, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). The Hepatitis C virus is categorized into six major genotypes, each with numerous subtypes, which exhibit varying responses to antiviral therapies. Notably, genotype 1 is prevalent in approximately 70 percent of cases in the United States and is associated with a less favorable response to treatment, as well as a higher risk of developing liver cancer. The genotyping process is intricate and involves analyzing a blood sample to identify specific nucleic acid sequences associated with HCV. This is achieved through a series of steps: initially, specific nucleic acid sequences are amplified using techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR); subsequently, the amplified products undergo purification and further molecular analysis; finally, the resulting sequences are compared against known sequences to accurately identify the HCV genotype. This detailed analysis is vital for clinicians to devise the most effective and personalized treatment plans for patients infected with Hepatitis C.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The infectious agent genotype analysis for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is indicated in the following scenarios:
The procedure for infectious agent genotype analysis by nucleic acid for Hepatitis C virus involves several critical steps:
Post-procedure care for patients undergoing infectious agent genotype analysis typically involves monitoring for any potential side effects from the blood draw, such as bruising or discomfort at the puncture site. Patients may also receive counseling regarding the implications of their genotype results, particularly in relation to treatment options and expected outcomes. It is essential for healthcare providers to discuss the results with patients, including the significance of the identified genotype in terms of treatment efficacy and the potential for disease progression. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to review the results and adjust treatment plans as necessary based on the genotype analysis.
| Short Descr | NFCT AGT GNTYP ALYS HEP C | Medium Descr | NFCT AGENT GENOTYPE ALYS NUCLEIC ACD HEP C VIRUS | Long Descr | Infectious agent genotype analysis by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Hepatitis C virus | 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. | 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. | 26 | Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number. | 77 | Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | 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 | Q4 | Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption | QJ | Services/items provided to a prisoner or patient in state or local custody, however the state or local government, as applicable, meets the requirements in 42 cfr 411.4 (b) |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 2023-01-01 | Note | Short and medium descriptions changed. |
| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Short Descriptor changed. |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2002-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2002. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.