CPT® Code 87340 is used to report hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) testing by immunoassay. HBsAg is a protein found on the surface of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Detecting HBsAg can indicate a current hepatitis B infection and is used as part of hepatitis B diagnostic and screening evaluations.
HBsAg testing is distinct from hepatitis B surface antibody testing, which assesses immunity. Interpretation of HBsAg results should be considered alongside other hepatitis B serologic markers and the patient's clinical history.
Key Facts About CPT® 87340
- Service type: Laboratory infectious disease test
- Test: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
- Method: Immunoassay
- Specimen type: Typically serum or plasma
- Test purpose: Detect evidence of current hepatitis B infection
- Provider type: Physicians, laboratories, and qualified healthcare professionals
Common clinical indications:
- Hepatitis B screening
- Suspected hepatitis B infection
- Evaluation of abnormal liver function
- Assessment following potential exposure
- Prenatal screening
- Evaluation of hepatitis-related symptoms
When to Use CPT® 87340
CPT 87340 is appropriate when:
- A provider orders an HBsAg immunoassay
- Screening or diagnostic evaluation for hepatitis B is clinically indicated
- A patient has symptoms or laboratory findings that warrant hepatitis B testing
- Testing is performed as part of an appropriate hepatitis B serologic evaluation
Examples:
- Screening a pregnant patient for hepatitis B
- Evaluating a patient with abnormal liver enzymes or symptoms suggestive of hepatitis
- Assessing hepatitis B status after a potential exposure
- Performing hepatitis B testing as part of a broader infectious disease evaluation
Documentation Requirements
To support CPT 87340 billing, documentation should include:
- Patient identifiers and date of service
- Clinical indication for hepatitis B testing
- Relevant symptoms, diagnoses, risk factors, or exposure history
- Screening indication when applicable
- Specimen information
- HBsAg test performed
- Test result and date reported
- Ordering provider information
Clear documentation helps establish medical necessity and supports appropriate interpretation and follow-up.
Reimbursement and Coding Considerations
- CPT 87340 reports hepatitis B surface antigen testing by immunoassay
- HBsAg testing should be distinguished from hepatitis B surface antibody testing, such as CPT 86706
- Other hepatitis B markers may require separate CPT codes when performed
- Diagnosis coding should support screening, suspected infection, exposure, or another medically necessary indication
- Coverage and frequency limitations vary by payer and clinical circumstances
- Specimen collection may be separately reportable when permitted by payer policy
Always verify current CPT guidance and payer-specific hepatitis B testing requirements before submitting claims.
How OptiMantra Supports Hepatitis B Testing
OptiMantra's integrated EMR and practice management system helps streamline documentation and billing for CPT 87340.
With OptiMantra, providers can:
- Order hepatitis B surface antigen testing within the patient chart
- Document symptoms, risk factors, exposure history, and screening indications
- Record HBsAg results in the patient's medical record
- Link laboratory findings to diagnoses and treatment plans
- Document follow-up recommendations based on test results
- Maintain organized laboratory documentation that supports billing compliance and audit preparedness
By centralizing laboratory workflows, OptiMantra helps practices maintain comprehensive infectious disease records and support efficient patient care.
Try OptiMantra for free here!
Disclaimer: CPT® codes are maintained by the American Medical Association. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace official coding guidelines or payer policies.
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