Summary & Overview
CPT 87327: Cryptococcus neoformans Antigen Immunoassay
Headline: CPT code 87327: Cryptococcus neoformans antigen immunoassay — lab test used to detect fungal infection
Lead: CPT code 87327 identifies an immunoassay-based laboratory test for detection of Cryptococcus neoformans antigen, a key diagnostic tool for cryptococcal infection. This test supports clinical decision-making for suspected invasive fungal disease and has implications for inpatient and outpatient laboratory workflows nationwide.
What the code represents and why it matters: CPT code 87327 covers an immunoassay to detect antigen from Cryptococcus neoformans. Detection of cryptococcal antigen is critical for diagnosing cryptococcosis, particularly cryptococcal meningitis and disseminated disease in immunocompromised patients. Nationally, availability and accurate reporting of this test affect clinical care pathways, laboratory billing, and public health surveillance for fungal infections.
Key payers covered in this analysis: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare.
What readers will learn: The publication provides benchmarks for utilization and reimbursement patterns, outlines clinical context for test use, and summarizes recent policy considerations affecting laboratory diagnostics. Readers will find concise guidance on expected sites of service, the clinical role of antigen immunoassays for cryptococcal disease, and areas where further payer-specific policy details may apply.
Data notes: Data not available in the input for payer-specific rates, associated taxonomies, ICD-10 mappings, and related codes.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 87327 describes a laboratory immunoassay performed to detect Cryptococcus neoformans antigen. The procedure involves an immunoassay technique (for example, enzyme immunoassay) to identify fungal antigens in clinical specimens.
Service Type: Laboratory diagnostic test
Typical Site of Service: Clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 55-year-old immunocompromised patient (history of HIV infection with CD4 count <100 cells/µL) presents to the emergency department with progressive headache, fever, and neck stiffness. The clinician performs a lumbar puncture and sends cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum to the hospital laboratory. The laboratory performs an immunoassay to detect cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) technique to rapidly identify infection with Cryptococcus neoformans. Results are reported in the electronic health record and routed to the ordering infectious disease physician; positive antigen results prompt initiation of antifungal therapy and possible admission to an inpatient unit.
Typical workflow:
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Order placed by emergency department or infectious disease clinician for cryptococcal antigen testing on CSF and/or serum.
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Specimen collection (CSF by lumbar puncture or blood draw) and labeling per hospital laboratory policy.
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Specimen transported to clinical laboratory and accessioned into the laboratory information system.
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Laboratory analyst performs
87327using an EIA platform, controls run, and result interpreted per manufacturer instructions. -
Result reported with interpretive comment; positive results trigger clinician notification and may prompt additional testing such as fungal culture, India ink stain, or antigen titers.
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Billing: laboratory submits claim for
87327with appropriate place of service codes for hospital outpatient, inpatient, emergency department, or reference laboratory as applicable.