How To Use CPT Code 85705

CPT 85705 describes the thromboplastin inhibition test, which is used to detect the presence of lupus anticoagulant inhibitors in a patient’s plasma. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 85705?

CPT 85705 is a code used to describe the thromboplastin inhibition test, which is performed by a lab analyst using plasma to detect the presence of lupus anticoagulant inhibitors. These inhibitors are autoantibodies that can cause excess blood clot formation and may lead to thrombosis or embolisms. The test involves diluting the patient’s plasma with thromboplastin, a reagent used in coagulation testing, and analyzing the dilutions on an automated coagulation machine using nephelometry, which detects clots through scattered light intensity. The results are reported as a ratio of the patient’s result value to a normal patient result.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 85705 is: ‘Thromboplastin inhibition, tissue.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst dilutes the patient’s plasma with thromboplastin, a reagent used in coagulation testing.
2. The diluted plasma is analyzed on an automated coagulation machine using nephelometry, which detects clots through scattered light intensity.
3. The results of the test are reported as a ratio of the patient’s result value to a normal patient result.

4. Qualifying circumstances

The thromboplastin inhibition test may be ordered by providers to explain recurring miscarriages, blood clots, or abnormal coagulation test results. It is not limited to testing for a specific condition. Lupus anticoagulant (LA) is an autoantibody found in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as well as in inflammatory states, complications from medication, and other conditions. The presence of lupus anticoagulant inhibitors in a patient’s plasma can interfere with the body’s blood clotting mechanism and may lead to thrombosis or embolisms.

5. When to use CPT code 85705

CPT code 85705 should be used when performing the thromboplastin inhibition test to detect lupus anticoagulant inhibitors in a patient’s plasma. It is appropriate to use this code when the test is ordered to explain recurring miscarriages, blood clots, or abnormal coagulation test results. This code should not be used for testing specific clotting factors, as there are separate codes for those.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 85705, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as recurring miscarriages, blood clots, or abnormal coagulation test results
• Details of the technical steps performed by the lab analyst, including diluting the plasma with thromboplastin and analyzing the dilutions on an automated coagulation machine
• Results of the test, reported as a ratio of the patient’s result value to a normal patient result

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 85705, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst and that the necessary technical steps are followed. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting this code with other codes. Providers may order additional tests or procedures based on the results of the thromboplastin inhibition test.

8. Historical information

CPT code 85705 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with a history of recurring miscarriages undergoes a thromboplastin inhibition test to detect the presence of lupus anticoagulant inhibitors in their plasma.
2. A patient presents with unexplained blood clots, and a thromboplastin inhibition test is ordered to investigate the cause.
3. A patient’s coagulation test results are consistently abnormal, prompting the ordering of a thromboplastin inhibition test to identify any lupus anticoagulant inhibitors.
4. A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) undergoes a thromboplastin inhibition test to monitor the presence and activity of lupus anticoagulant inhibitors.
5. A patient experiences an embolism, and a thromboplastin inhibition test is performed to determine if lupus anticoagulant inhibitors are contributing to the clot formation.