Sexually transmitted infection testing to be bundled

In support of correct coding and payment accuracy, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will be updating its payment policy for sexually transmitted infection, or STI, testing. The exact date of the update is yet to be determined. We’ll notify you of the effective date in a future Record article or provider alert.   

When two or more single test codes are billed separately for the same member, health care provider and same date of service, we’ll reimburse these services based on the rate for a single more comprehensive multiple organism code (CPT *87801 — Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA), multiple organisms; amplified probe(s) technique.)

The following are examples of single codes that would be bundled into *87801 if two or more are billed.

This isn’t an all-inclusive list:

• *87491 — Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Chlamydia trachomatis, amplified probe technique
• *87591 — Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Neisseria gonorrhoeae, amplified probe technique.
• *87661 — Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Trichomonas vaginalis, amplified probe technique