CPT 87502: Multiplex Influenza Nucleic Acid Detection, 2 Targets
Commercial payers pay $170 on average nationally for this procedure.
CPT code 87502 describes a laboratory nucleic acid detection test using multiplex amplified probe technique (with or without multiplex reverse transcription) to identify the presence of multiple influenza virus types or subtypes and is reported for the first two types or subtypes; this is a molecular diagnostic service typically performed in a clinical laboratory or pathology setting for respiratory infection evaluation.
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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National Reimbursement Benchmarks
National commercial reimbursement for CPT 87502 centers around BUCA’s average commercial rate of $170.10, which serves as a midpoint against a wide spectrum among major payers. Blue Cross Blue Shield carries one of the highest central tendencies with a median of $216.20 and a mean of $221.60, while Cigna and Aetna sit lower with medians near $92.70 and $95.80 respectively. UnitedHealth Group’s median of $57.50 and mean of $78.70 place it toward the lower end of the scale, illustrating meaningful variation across carriers.
Dispersion measured by the interquartile range (P75–P25) highlights differences in contract variability: Blue Cross Blue Shield has a tight IQR of $30.30 ($232.20–$201.90), indicating relatively concentrated rates, whereas Aetna’s IQR is $66.10 ($143.70–$76.60) and Cigna’s is $70.90 ($130.90–$60.00), both showing broader spread. UnitedHealth Group’s IQR of $57.60 ($95.80–$40.20) sits between these, signaling moderate variability compared with BUCA’s commercial quartiles ($185.60–$140.60 gives an IQR of $45.00).