Home
Career Stage
Medical Students Residents Attendings CPT Codes Resources Blog Support

87265 Pertussis ag if

Pathology & Lab

Also known as: pertussis antigen, whooping cough test, Bordetella IF

Detection of Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough) antigens directly from respiratory specimens using immunofluorescence microscopy.

In Plain Language

whooping cough detection test

Clinical Context

Used for rapid diagnosis of pertussis in symptomatic patients with cough. Sensitivity depends on specimen timing and organism burden.

RVU Information

CPT 87265 does not have a physician work RVU assigned by CMS. Reimbursement for this code is determined by payer-specific fee schedules.

Billing & Documentation

Lab and pathology codes require an order from the treating provider with clinical indication. For molecular pathology and genetic testing, document the specific analytes tested and clinical rationale.

How This Code Compares

This code has a work RVU of 0.00, meaning it does not have a physician work component assigned by CMS. In the Pathology & Lab category, 94% of codes share this characteristic.

Specialties

pathologyvirologypulmonology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CPT code 87265?

CPT 87265 (Pertussis ag if) is a Pathology & Lab code. Detection of Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough) antigens directly from respiratory specimens using immunofluorescence microscopy.

Who uses CPT code 87265?

CPT 87265 is used by pathology, virology, pulmonology. Used for rapid diagnosis of pertussis in symptomatic patients with cough. Sensitivity depends on specimen timing and organism burden.

When is CPT 87265 used?

Used for rapid diagnosis of pertussis in symptomatic patients with cough. Sensitivity depends on specimen timing and organism burden.

Track This Code in RVU Edge

Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against national data — all in one app.

CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.