CPT code 87522 represents a quantitative molecular diagnostic assay to measure hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in a patient's specimen, commonly referred to as an HCV viral load. This test is clinically important for confirming active infection, guiding antiviral therapy initiation, and monitoring response to treatment, making it a high-priority lab service across clinical and public health settings.

Key national payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication outlines how coverage and payment for CPT code 87522 affect access to HCV diagnosis and management under major commercial and federal insurers.

Readers will find a concise overview of the code’s clinical purpose and typical site of service, plus benchmarking content on utilization and reimbursement patterns where available. The report also summarizes policy and coding considerations relevant to laboratories, clinicians, and billing teams, and provides context for interpreting test ordering and follow-up. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable; the content focuses on national implications rather than state-specific rules.