Find policies, billing codes, payers, states, and providers
CPT 87172: Pinworm (Adhesive Tape) Microscopic Examination
CPT code 87172 covers microscopic examination of specimens collected with a pinworm paddle or transparent adhesive tape to detect pinworm eggs or adults. This focused parasitology test is important for confirming enterobiasis, guiding treatment decisions, and reducing transmission in community and household settings. Nationally, accurate coding and documentation for this low-complexity laboratory procedure supports surveillance, appropriate therapy, and public-health reporting where required.
Key payers addressed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context, typical sites of service, common modifier use (where provided), and payer considerations. The publication highlights reimbursement benchmarking, coding guidance, and operational notes relevant to laboratories and outpatient testing sites. It also outlines what to expect in claims submission and common areas for documentation review.
This summary is intended for laboratory managers, coding and billing professionals, and clinicians overseeing diagnostic testing workflows who need a national perspective on clinical use, coding practice, and payer coverage considerations for CPT code 87172.
Customize your policy alerts
Sign up for cpt 87172 policy alerts
Get alerted when payer policies referencing 87172 are released or updated.
Monitor payer policy activity
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 87172 describes laboratory examination of a specimen collected with a pinworm paddle or transparent adhesive tape to identify pinworm eggs or adult organisms. This service is a direct parasitology test performed by a laboratory analyst to detect Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) infestation.
-
Service type: Laboratory parasitology examination
-
Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or outpatient laboratory setting