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

87271 Cytomegalovirus dfa

Pathology & Lab

Also known as: CMV antigen, CMV DFA, cytomegalovirus

Detection of cytomegalovirus antigens directly from clinical specimens using direct fluorescent antibody immunofluorescence microscopy.

In Plain Language

CMV infection detection

Clinical Context

Rapid screening for cytomegalovirus infection, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Commonly used for urine and blood specimens.

RVU Information

CPT 87271 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

pathologyvirologyinfectious disease

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CPT code 87271?

CPT 87271 (Cytomegalovirus dfa) is a Pathology & Lab code. Detection of cytomegalovirus antigens directly from clinical specimens using direct fluorescent antibody immunofluorescence microscopy.

Who uses CPT code 87271?

CPT 87271 is used by pathology, virology, infectious disease. Rapid screening for cytomegalovirus infection, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Commonly used for urine and blood specimens.

When is CPT 87271 used?

Rapid screening for cytomegalovirus infection, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Commonly used for urine and blood specimens.

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.