Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

Question: Our lab started receiving specimens from an otolaryngologist client for HPV testing. We currently code HPV tests from gynecological specimens using 87621 -- can we use the same code for non-gyn specimens?Connecticut SubscriberAnswer: You can report 87621 (Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); papillomavirus, human, amplified probe technique) for an HPV test from any source -- provided amplified probe technique is the method your lab uses for the test.You should distinguish HPV tests on the basis of the lab method, not based on the specimen source. CPT® provides other codes that describe HPV tests using different methods, such as 87620 (Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); papillomavirus, human, direct probe technique). If your lab tests for HPV using in situ hybridization (IHS), you should report one of the following codes: 88365 -- In situ hybridization (e.g., FISH), each probe88367 -- Morphometric analysis, in situ hybridization (quantitative or semi-quantitative) [...]