CPT code 87476 denotes a molecular diagnostic assay using an amplified nucleic acid probe technique to detect Borrelia burgdorferi, the pathogen responsible for Lyme disease. As a targeted laboratory procedure, this test supports diagnostic confirmation in patients with suspected Borrelia infection and has national relevance for infectious disease surveillance and clinical decision-making. Coverage and payment for this type of molecular testing affect access to timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical context for testing, typical sites of service, and the types of benchmarks and policy items commonly associated with molecular infectious disease assays. The publication summarizes common billing modifiers used with laboratory procedures, identifies areas where payers often apply medical necessity or prior-authorization policies, and highlights how reimbursement considerations intersect with laboratory practice patterns.

This national-level review is intended to inform coding staff, laboratory managers, and policy analysts about the role of CPT code 87476 in clinical workflows, payer interactions, and the broader diagnostic landscape for Lyme disease. Data not available in the input where specific comparisons or payer-specific policies would be expected.