2025 CPT code 87633
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Infectious Agent Antigen Detection - Microbiology Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Procedures Feed
Detects multiple respiratory viruses (12-25 targets) using multiplex reverse transcription and amplified probe techniques.
Modifiers 59 (distinct procedural service) and 91 (repeat test on the same day) may apply under specific circumstances.
Medical necessity for 87633 is established when a physician orders the test based on a patient's clinical presentation (e.g., respiratory symptoms) to diagnose a suspected respiratory viral infection and guide appropriate treatment.The test's purpose is to differentiate among various respiratory viruses, enabling targeted therapy and infection control measures.
The clinical responsibility lies with the laboratory analyst who performs the specimen processing, amplification (e.g., PCR), hybridization, and analysis to identify the respiratory viruses.
- Pathology and Laboratory Procedures
- Pathology and Laboratory Procedures > Microbiology Procedures > Infectious Agent Antigen Detection
In simple words: This lab test identifies 12 to 25 different types of respiratory viruses from a sample (like blood). It uses special techniques to make many copies of the virus's genetic material and then finds which virus is present.
This CPT code, 87633, encompasses the detection of multiple respiratory viruses (12-25 targets) using a combination of multiplex reverse transcription and amplified probe techniques.The procedure involves amplification of nucleic acid sequences followed by detection using labeled probes.The results identify the specific virus or subtypes present in the sample.
Example 1: A patient presents with flu-like symptoms.The physician orders 87633 to identify the specific respiratory virus causing the illness, guiding treatment decisions., A child is hospitalized with severe respiratory distress.87633 helps determine the causative agent (e.g., RSV, influenza) to direct appropriate care., An outbreak of respiratory illness occurs in a nursing home.87633 aids in identifying the prevalent virus, aiding in infection control measures and treatment strategies.
* Patient demographics and medical record number.* Physician's order specifying the test.* Specimen collection date and time, along with the method of collection and the source of the sample (e.g., nasal swab, sputum).* Detailed report from the laboratory including the methods used, the specific viruses tested for, and the results obtained.
** This code is appropriate for use in various healthcare settings, including physician offices, hospitals, and independent clinical laboratories.Accurate reporting requires clear documentation of the specific viruses tested for and the results obtained. The number of target viruses (12-25) is crucial for selecting this code versus 87632.
- Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE))
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Pulmonology, Infectious Disease, Pediatrics, Clinical Microbiology
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient), Clinical Laboratory