Summary & Overview
CPT 87270: Chlamydia trachomatis Antigen Detection by Immunofluorescence
CPT code 87270 represents an immunofluorescent laboratory test for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis antigens. This code is used for direct antigen detection via fluorescent-labeled antibodies and is relevant across outpatient, clinic, and hospital laboratory services where infectious disease testing is performed. Nationally, antigen detection methods remain part of the diagnostic toolkit for sexually transmitted infections and can impact laboratory workflows and public health surveillance.
Key payers in the analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find concise benchmarks for utilization and reimbursement patterns, clinical context for when immunofluorescent antigen testing is used versus other diagnostic modalities, and relevant coding considerations for laboratory services. The summary highlights where CPT code 87270 fits within laboratory service lines and typical sites of service, and outlines policy and billing elements that influence coverage and claims processing. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 87270 describes a laboratory procedure in which a laboratory analyst performs an immunofluorescent test to detect antigens of Chlamydia trachomatis. The method uses fluorescent-labeled antibodies to identify bacterial antigens in clinical specimens.
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Service type: Laboratory infectious disease testing
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Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory (specimens collected in outpatient clinics, physician offices, urgent care centers, or inpatient settings and sent to a laboratory for analysis)
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A sexually active 23-year-old female presents to an outpatient sexual health clinic with a 3-day history of dysuria and new onset vaginal discharge following a new sexual partner. A clinician performs a pelvic exam and obtains a cervical swab specimen. The specimen is sent to the clinical laboratory for direct detection of Chlamydia trachomatis antigens using an immunofluorescent technique. In the laboratory, a trained lab analyst performs the 87270 immunofluorescent antigen test on the specimen, documents specimen integrity and test results, and reports a positive or negative result to the ordering clinician for treatment decisions and public health reporting. Typical sites of service include hospital laboratories, independent clinical diagnostic laboratories, and outpatient clinic-based laboratories that support sexually transmitted infection evaluation.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the professional interpretation portion if the lab separates technical and professional components. |
TC | Technical component | Use when billing only the laboratory technical component (equipment/supplies/technician time). |
90 | Reference laboratory | Use when the service is performed by a reference laboratory for an outside ordering provider. |
91 | (Not provided) | Data not available in the input. |
QX | Clinical laboratory improvement amendments (CLIA) waived modifier for certified independent labs | Use when the performing and billing personnel meet CLIA requirements under applicable arrangements (if applicable). |
QY | Ordering/referring provider billing under certain lab arrangements | Use when an ordering provider bills for services performed by an outside lab under specific contractual arrangements. |
59 | (Not provided) | Data not available in the input. |
90 | Reference laboratory duplicate entry — see above | Duplicate entry removed in final billing; use as above. |
52 | Reduced services | Use when the test is partially performed or incomplete leading to reduced reimbursement. |
53 | Discontinued procedure | Use when testing was started but discontinued for documented clinical reasons. |
22 | Increased procedural services | Use when the test requires substantially greater resources than usual and documentation supports unusual effort. |
78 | Unplanned return to the procedure room | Rare for this lab test; use only if patient returned unexpectedly and additional specimen processing occurred. |
80 | Assistant at surgery | Not applicable for laboratory assay; not typically used. |
| Taxonomy Code | Specialty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
207Q00000X | Pathology | Clinical laboratory oversight and interpretation. |
2080P0004X | Clinical Laboratory | Medical directors and lab directors performing or supervising testing. |
207L00000X | Anatomic and Clinical Pathology | Physicians supervising lab operations and quality control. |
363L00000X | Laboratory Technician | Performing the immunofluorescent assay and technical processing. |
Related Diagnoses
| ICD-10 Code | Description | Clinical Relevance |
|---|---|---|
A74.9 | Chlamydial infection, unspecified | Directly indicates suspected or confirmed chlamydial infection; primary indication for 87270 testing. |
N34.1 | Urethritis, unspecified | Presents with dysuria; 87270 may be used on urethral swabs in males or females when chlamydia is suspected. |
N76.0 | Acute vaginitis | Vaginal discharge may prompt testing for C. trachomatis antigen as part of STI workup. |
Z11.3 | Encounter for screening for infections with a predominantly sexual mode of transmission | Screening indication for asymptomatic individuals; 87270 may be used in screening programs depending on lab protocols. |
N72 | Inflammatory disease of cervix uteri | Cervical inflammation often leads to testing for common pathogens including C. trachomatis with 87270. |
Related CPT Codes
| CPT Code | Description | Relationship to This Procedure |
|---|---|---|
87270 | Infectious agent antigen detection by immunofluorescent technique, Chlamydia trachomatis; direct | The primary laboratory assay performed by the lab analyst to detect C. trachomatis antigens in the specimen. |
87490 | Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA), direct probe technique, amplified probe technique, Chlamydia trachomatis | Alternative or complementary test using nucleic acid amplification typically ordered when higher sensitivity/specificity is required; may be performed in the same clinical workflow as confirmation. |
87801 | Infectious agent antigen detection by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) technique, Chlamydia trachomatis | An alternative antigen detection methodology that may be used when immunofluorescence is not available. |
87070 | Culture, bacterial, any source; in bacterial detection workflows | May be performed when culture confirmation or susceptibility testing for co-infection is needed. |
86592 | Chlamydia trachomatis screening test (serology) | Serologic testing is rarely used for acute genital infection but may be part of broader STI evaluation in select clinical contexts. |