National Coverage Determination: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Testing (Prognosis Including Monitoring) National Coverage Determination
CPT Code: 87536
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Testing (Prognosis Including Monitoring)
CMS Policy Number: 190.13

87536 Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); HIV-1, quantification



Description: HIV quantification is achieved through the use of a number of different assays which measure the amount of circulating viral RNA. Assays vary both in methods used to detect viral RNA as well as in ability to detect viral levels at lower limits. However, all employ some type of nucleic acid amplification technique to enhance sensitivity, and results are expressed as the HIV copy number.

Quantification assays of HIV plasma RNA are used prognostically to assess relative risk for disease progression and predict time to death, as well as to assess efficacy of anti-retroviral therapies over time.

HIV quantification is often performed together with CD4+T cell counts which provide information on extent of HIV induced immune system damage already incurred.

Indications:
1. A plasma HIV RNA baseline level may be medically necessary in any patient with confirmed HIV infection.

2. Regular periodic measurement of plasma HIV RNA levels may be medically necessary to determine risk for disease progression in an HIV-infected individual and to determine when to initiate anti-retroviral treatment regimens.

3. In clinical situations where risk of HIV infection is significant and initiation of therapy is anticipated, a baseline HIV quantification may be performed. These situations include:
a. Persistence of borderline or equivocal serologic reactivity in an at-risk individual.
b. Signs and symptoms of acute retroviral syndrome characterized by fever, malaise, lymphadenopathy and rash in an at-risk individual.

Limitations:
1. Viral quantification may be appropriate for prognostic use including baseline determination, periodic monitoring, and monitoring of response to therapy. Use as a diagnostic test method is not indicated.

2. Measurement of plasma HIV RNA levels should be performed at the time of establishment of an HIV infection diagnosis. For an accurate baseline, 2 specimens in a 2-week period are appropriate.

3. For prognosis including anti-retroviral therapy monitoring, regular, periodic measurements are appropriate. The frequency of viral load testing should be consistent with the most current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for use of anti-retroviral agents in adults and adolescents or pediatrics.

4. Because differences in absolute HIV copy number are known to occur using different assays, plasma HIV RNA levels should be measured by the same analytical method. A change in assay method may necessitate re-establishment of a baseline.

5. Nucleic acid quantification techniques are representative of rapidly emerging & evolving new technologies. Users advised to remain current on FDA-approval status.

Other:
Assessment of CD4+ T cell numbers is frequently performed in conjunction with viral load determination. When used in concert, the accuracy with which the risk for disease progression and death can be predicted is enhanced.

ICD-10-CM Codes Covered by Medicare Program

22 Covered ICD-10 Codes:

ICD-10Descriptor
B20 Human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease
B97.35 Human immunodeficiency virus, type 2 [HIV 2] as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
O98.411 Viral hepatitis complicating pregnancy, first trimester
O98.412 Viral hepatitis complicating pregnancy, second trimester
O98.413 Viral hepatitis complicating pregnancy, third trimester
O98.419 Viral hepatitis complicating pregnancy, unspecified trimester
O98.42 Viral hepatitis complicating childbirth
O98.43 Viral hepatitis complicating the puerperium
O98.511 Other viral diseases complicating pregnancy, first trimester
O98.512 Other viral diseases complicating pregnancy, second trimester
O98.513 Other viral diseases complicating pregnancy, third trimester
O98.519 Other viral diseases complicating pregnancy, unspecified trimester
O98.52 Other viral diseases complicating childbirth
O98.53 Other viral diseases complicating the puerperium
O98.711 Human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease complicating pregnancy, first trimester
O98.712 Human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease complicating pregnancy, second trimester
O98.713 Human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease complicating pregnancy, third trimester
O98.719 Human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease complicating pregnancy, unspecified trimester
O98.72 Human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease complicating childbirth
O98.73 Human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease complicating the puerperium
R75 Inconclusive laboratory evidence of human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]
Z21 Asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infection status