Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

Question: We can’t find a “not otherwise specified” code for infectious agent genotype analysis by nucleic acid. Can you recommend what code we should use for HPV 16/18 and 45 genotyping?

California Subscriber

Answer: Testing for specific HPV genotypes generally involves polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified probe technique. The proper CPT code for the test is 87621 (Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); papillomavirus, human, amplified probe technique).

You should not use a “not otherwise specified” code, because CPT® provides a specific code for HPV.

Labs typically run genotype analysis following a screening test for the organism. The lab might perform the HPV screening using 87621 or 87620 (… direct probe technique).

Extra units: If the original test is amplified probe technique, you would report 87621 for the screening, and 87621 for subsequent genotyping. You might list multiple units of 87621 for the genotyping depending on which genotypes you’re evaluating, and depending on payer limitation. For instance, Aetna limits 87621 to three units per date of service.