2025 CPT code 87660

Detects Trichomonas vaginalis DNA using a direct nucleic acid probe technique.

Follow the CPT guidelines for microbiology procedures and infectious agent antigen detection.Appropriate modifiers (e.g., 59 for multiple specimens/sites, 91 for repeat tests on the same day) should be used when necessary.

Modifiers 59 and 91 are applicable in specific circumstances as detailed in the CPT guidelines.Other modifiers may apply depending on the specific clinical situation.

Medical necessity for 87660 is established when there is clinical suspicion of trichomoniasis based on symptoms (e.g., vaginal discharge, dysuria, odor) or as part of routine STI screening in high-risk populations. The test is considered medically necessary to confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment.

The clinical responsibility lies with the laboratory analyst who performs the technical aspects of the test, including specimen preparation, probe hybridization, and result interpretation.The ordering physician is responsible for medical decision-making based on the results.

IMPORTANT 87800 (Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid, DNA or RNA, multiple organisms; direct probe technique) may be used if multiple organisms are tested simultaneously using a direct probe technique. 87661 (Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Trichomonas vaginalis, amplified probe technique) should be used if an amplified probe technique is employed.

In simple words: This lab test checks for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) called trichomoniasis. It uses a special technique to find the DNA of the organism that causes this infection in a sample from the genital area. The results help determine if treatment is needed.

This CPT code, 87660, represents the laboratory procedure for detecting Trichomonas vaginalis DNA using a direct nucleic acid probe technique.The procedure involves preparing a specimen (typically a urogenital swab), mixing it with a single-stranded DNA or RNA probe complementary to the target T. vaginalis DNA sequence, and visualizing the hybridization product using a label (e.g., radioactive or chemical tag).This test aids in the diagnosis of trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection.

Example 1: A female patient presents with vaginal discharge and odor.The physician orders a test for Trichomonas vaginalis using 87660 to aid in diagnosis., A male patient with symptoms suggestive of urethritis undergoes testing, which includes 87660, to rule out Trichomonas vaginalis infection., A pregnant woman is screened for STIs as part of prenatal care.The 87660 test is included to detect Trichomonas vaginalis infection, which can negatively impact pregnancy.

** This code should only be used when a direct nucleic acid probe technique is used to detect Trichomonas vaginalis.Incorrect use of this code may lead to claim denials.Always ensure proper documentation to support medical necessity.

  • Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE))
  • RVU: This information requires access to specific payer fee schedules and may vary based on location and contract.RVUs are not directly provided within this code description.
  • Global Days : Not applicable. This is a laboratory test, not a surgical procedure.
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.This is a complete laboratory procedure.
  • Fee Schedule : Fee schedules are not included in this response and vary based on payer and geographic location.Consult payer-specific fee schedules for historical data.
  • Specialties:Obstetrics and Gynecology, Urology, Infectious Disease, Pathology
  • Place of Service:Office, Clinic, Hospital (Inpatient/Outpatient), Laboratory
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