CPT Code 86602 | Description & Clinical Information
CPT 86602 describes the process in which a laboratory analyst conducts an immunoassay to assess the presence of antibodies to actinomyces in a patient’s blood.
Official Description
The CPT book defines CPT code 86602 as: “Antibody; actinomyces”.
Billing Guidelines
CPT codes 86602-86804 are utilized for qualitative or semiquantitative immunoassays that use multiple-step methods to detect antibodies to infectious agents. For immunoassays that use a single-step method, such as reagent strips, refer to codes 86318 and 86328. It is important to code procedures for identifying antibodies as accurately as possible, specifying the virus, family, genus, species, or type. Additional precision can be added to codes by specifying the class of immunoglobulin being detected. When multiple tests are performed to detect antibodies to organisms classified more precisely than the specificity allowed by available codes, each test should be coded as a separate service. For example, if assays are performed for antibodies to coxsackie A and B species, each assay should be separately coded. Similarly, if multiple assays are performed for antibodies of different immunoglobulin classes, each assay should be coded separately. When reporting IgM specific antibodies, use code 86632, and for nonspecific antibody analysis or IgG analysis, use code 86631.
If you need to identify antibodies that are not related to infectious agents, refer to particular antibody (such as 86015, 86021-86023, 86376, 86800, 86850-86870) or specific method (such as 83516, 86255, 86256). Remember to add CPT in front of every code.
To detect infectious agents or antigens, refer to CPT codes 87260-87899.
Clinical Information
The procedure describes by CPT code 86602 involves the process of testing a patient’s serum for antibodies to actinomyces. The lab analyst performs the technical steps, which includes utilizing procedures such as enzyme immunoassay, referred to as EIA, or enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, commonly known as ELISA. Through the use of these methods, the test may include various steps such as reacting the specimen with test antigens, incubating the mixture, adding an agent to detect the antigen/antibody complex, such as a stain or fluorescence or other marker, and interpreting the results as positive, negative, or as a semiquantitative value.
Clinicians may order this test to aid in the diagnosis of actinomycosis, which is a disease originating in the mucous membranes caused by actinomyces infection. Although not limited to testing for a specific condition, the actinomyces test is particularly useful for detecting actinomycosis in patients. The condition is characterized by the formation of fibrous lesions of the sinus, mouth, throat, chest, or pelvis that are sometimes mistaken for cancer.
Actinomycosis is a rare bacterial infection that is often difficult to diagnose due to its elusive symptoms. It is caused by a bacteria that is commonly found in the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract, and can often be mistaken for other illnesses such as tuberculosis or cancer. Symptoms of actinomycosis can range from mild to severe and may include fever, chills, weight loss, and fatigue.
The actinomyces test is a valuable tool in diagnosing this rare infection. By detecting the presence of antibodies to the bacteria, the test can confirm the diagnosis of actinomycosis and aid clinicians in developing an effective treatment plan. Early detection of actinomycosis is crucial in preventing the spread of the bacteria and minimizing the potential for serious complications.
In addition to aiding in the diagnosis of actinomycosis, the actinomyces test may also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment in patients with the condition. By repeating the test after treatment has begun, clinicians can determine if the patient is responding to therapy and adjust their treatment plan as necessary.
The actinomyces test is a non-invasive procedure that typically takes just a few minutes to perform. The patient’s serum is collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis. Results are typically available within a few days and can provide important information for clinicians in diagnosing and treating patients.
In conclusion, the actinomyces test is a valuable tool for clinicians in diagnosing and monitoring the treatment of actinomycosis. By utilizing procedures such as EIA or ELISA, lab analysts can detect the presence of antibodies to the bacteria and provide important information for clinicians. Early detection of actinomycosis is crucial in preventing the spread of the bacteria and minimizing the potential for serious complications. The actinomyces test is a simple and effective way to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of this rare infection.
Return to all the CPT codes for qualitative or semiquantitative immunoassays.
