AMA CPT® Assistant - 2015 Issue 10 (October)
Pathology and Laboratory: Microbiology (Q&A) (October 2015)
October 2015 page 10 Pathology and Laboratory: Microbiology Question: Is it appropriate to report a single qualitative multiplex assay that detects a total of 14 high-risk HPV types while providing a single result for 12 types and differentiating types 16 and 18 with both CPT codes 87624 and 87625 ? Answer: No, CPT code 87624 , Human Papillomavirus (HPV), high-risk types (eg, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 68), which represents a single service for multiple HPV high-risk types, is the only CPT code that should be reported for the described procedure. The testing results...
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Article Overview
This brief CPT Assistant Q&A from October 2015 focuses on pathology and laboratory microbiology reporting for human papillomavirus testing. It explains the scope of the discussed assay format, identifies the relevant CPT coding framework, and notes the importance of checking payer-specific reporting requirements for similar services. The article is aimed at coding professionals who need to understand how this type of HPV testing is discussed in official coding guidance.
Why This Topic Matters
Laboratory test reporting can vary by assay design and payer policy, so coding staff need official guidance to support consistent claims submission and compliance.
Article Sections
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October 2015 page 10
An introductory page marker for the Q&A content and its pathology and laboratory microbiology focus.
What You Will Learn
- How this Q&A frames multiplex HPV testing within CPT-based laboratory reporting.
- What general types of reporting considerations are discussed for this microbiology service.
- Why payer-specific requirements may still need to be checked for similar assays.
- How official coding commentary addresses assay format and reporting scope.
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Pathology and laboratory billing staff
- Compliance teams
- Laboratory managers
Codes Discussed
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