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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesInfectious Agent Antigen DetectionCPT cpt-87483-multiplex-cns-pathogen-detection-molecular-test
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    CPT 87483: Multiplex CNS Pathogen Nucleic Acid Detection

    CPT code 87483 describes a laboratory multiplex amplified probe test performed by a lab analyst to detect multiple types or subtypes of possible central nervous system (CNS) pathogens by identifying target nucleic acids, and may include multiplex reverse transcription; the service type is molecular infectious disease testing (multiplex nucleic acid amplification) and the typical site of service is a clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory where technical laboratory procedures are performed.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: B-Hemolytic Streptococcus Testing, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) — Coverage Criteria for Testing and Resistance Assays, Hepatitis Testing (A, B, C, D) Coverage Criteria.

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    Table of contents

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A 6-year-old child presents to the emergency department with fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, photophobia, and altered mental status following a 24-hour history of worsening symptoms. The emergency physician orders a lumbar puncture and submits cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for a multiplex nucleic acid amplification test that detects multiple central nervous system pathogens by amplified probe technique, including viral and bacterial targets and reverse transcription for RNA viruses. The specimen is transported to the hospital molecular diagnostics laboratory. A clinical laboratory scientist performs the technical procedures for nucleic acid extraction, multiplex reverse transcription (if applicable), amplification, and detection to identify pathogen-specific nucleic acids. Results are reported in the electronic medical record and routed to the ordering physician for antimicrobial and antiviral management decisions. Typical site of service is hospital inpatient or emergency department with testing performed in a hospital-based or reference molecular laboratory.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    87070Culture, blood, aerobic and anaerobic, bacterial isolation and presumptive identification; each source, multiple cultures when orderedPerformed to detect bacterial bloodstream infection that may accompany CNS infection; complements molecular CSF testing.
    87389Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); other organism, single step methodAlternative molecular test for single-target pathogens when multiplex panel is not used.
    88377Surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examination (special stains, immunohistochemistry)Used if tissue or biopsy is obtained for suspected CNS infection requiring histopathology.
    36591Collection of cerebrospinal fluid from reservoir, with or without injection of contrast material for drainage proceduresProcedural code for CSF collection when specialized collection devices are used; specimen source for the multiplex test.
    87471Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Clostridium difficile, amplified probe techniqueExample of another amplified probe technique code representing similar laboratory methodology and billing considerations.

    Related Modifiers

    6 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    26Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
    59Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
    62Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
    78CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…
    80CPT® Modifier 80 (Assistant Surgeon) is appended to a surgical CPT code when a physician (MD or DO) provides full, continuous assistance throughout the operative procedure. It is intended only for…- Use CPT Modifier -80 when a physician (MD or DO) serves as an assistant surgeon and provides full, continuous assistance throughout the entire operative procedure; append -80 to the surgical CPT…
    90Modifier ‑90 (Reference/Outside Laboratory) indicates that a laboratory test was performed by an entity other than the treating or reporting provider. The American Medical Association defines…- Use CPT modifier -90 when a laboratory test is performed by an outside/reference laboratory (an entity other than the treating or reporting physician or qualified professional) and the claim needs…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy CodeSpecialtyNotes
    208000000XPediatrics PhysicianA pediatrician is concerned with the physical, emotional and social health of children from birth to young adulthood. Care encompasses a broad spectru…
    207L00000XAnesthesiology PhysicianAn anesthesiologist is trained to provide pain relief and maintenance, or restoration, of a stable condition during and immediately following an opera…
    363LF0000XFamily Nurse PractitionerPhysician Assistants & Advanced Practice Nursing Providers · Nurse Practitioner
    207K00000XAllergy & Immunology PhysicianAn allergist-immunologist is trained in evaluation, physical and laboratory diagnosis, and management of disorders involving the immune system. Select…
    246ZI1000XMedical IllustratorNone
    291900000XMilitary Clinical Medical LaboratoryA Department of Defense (DoD) medical clinical reference laboratory not associated with a DoD Hospital or DoD Clinic. An example is the Armed Forces I…
    261QG0250XGenetics Clinic/CenterAn entity, facility, or distinct part of a facility providing analysis of family history, genetic laboratory testing and analysis, diagnosis of geneti…
    106E00000XAssistant Behavior AnalystAn assistant behavior analyst is qualified by Behavior Analyst Certification Board certification and/or a state-issued license or credential in behavi…

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Infectious Disease1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    B-Hemolytic Streptococcus TestingOscar Health2026-10-01
    Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) — Coverage Criteria for Testing and Resistance AssaysOscar Health2026-10-01
    Hepatitis Testing (A, B, C, D) Coverage CriteriaOscar Health2026-10-01
    Lyme Disease Testing Coverage CriteriaOscar Health2026-10-01
    Pathogen Panel TestingOscar Health2026-10-01
    Diagnostic Testing of Common Sexually Transmitted InfectionsOscar Health2026-10-01
    Testing for Diagnosis of Active or Latent TuberculosisOscar Health2026-10-01
    Testing for Vector-Borne InfectionsOscar Health2026-10-01
    Coronavirus Testing in the Outpatient SettingOscar Health2026-10-01
    Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)blue cross blue shield - louisiana2026-09-15

    Related Codes

    CPT-87260-ADENOVIRUS-IMMUNOFLUORESCENT-ANTIGEN-DETECTION

    CPT 87260: Adenovirus Antigen Detection by Immunofluorescence

    CPT-87265-BORDETELLA-IMMUNOFLUORESCENT-ANTIGEN-DETECTION

    CPT 87265: Bordetella Antigen Detection by Immunofluorescence

    CPT-87267-ENTEROVIRUS-DFA-ANTIGEN-DETECTION

    CPT 87267: Enterovirus Antigen Detection by DFA

    CPT-87269-GIARDIA-IMMUNOFLUORESCENT-ANTIGEN-DETECTION

    CPT 87269: Giardia Antigen Detection by Immunofluorescence

    CPT-87270-CHLAMYDIA-TRACHOMATIS-IMMUNOFLUORESCENT-ANTIGEN-DETECTION

    CPT 87270: Chlamydia trachomatis Antigen Detection by Immunofluorescence

    CPT-87271-CMV-DFA-ANTIGEN-DETECTION

    CPT 87271: CMV Antigen Detection by Direct Fluorescent Antibody

    CPT-87272-CRYPTOSPORIDIUM-IMMUNOFLUORESCENT-ANTIGEN-DETECTION

    CPT 87272: Cryptosporidium Antigen Immunofluorescent Test

    CPT-87273-HSV-2-ANTIGEN-IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE

    CPT 87273: HSV-2 Antigen Detection by Immunofluorescence

    CPT-87274-HSV-1-ANTIGEN-IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE

    CPT 87274: HSV-1 Antigen Detection by Immunofluorescence

    CPT-87275-INFLUENZA-B-IMMUNOFLUORESCENT-ANTIGEN-DETECTION

    CPT 87275: Influenza B Antigen Detection by Immunofluorescence

    Showing 1–10 of 167

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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