CPT code 87522 describes a laboratory nucleic acid amplification test that measures the amount of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a patient’s specimen (HCV viral load) and is used for diagnosis, monitoring antiviral therapy response, and assessing virologic suppression; the service type is molecular diagnostic viral load testing and the typical site of service is clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory.

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.