How To Use CPT Code 86147

CPT 86147 describes the analysis of cardiolipin (phospholipid) antibodies, specifically for each Ig class. 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 86147?

CPT 86147 can be used to analyze the presence of cardiolipin antibodies, also known as antiphospholipids, in a patient’s serum sample. This code is reported for each immunoglobulin class tested by the lab analyst.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 86147 is: ‘Cardiolipin (phospholipid) antibody, each Ig class.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical steps to detect the presence of cardiolipin antibodies in a patient’s serum sample.
2. Cardiolipin, a type of phospholipid, is a fat molecule found in the body’s plasma membranes.
3. The analyst may use enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the antibodies.
4. The code should be reported for each class of immunoglobulin tested, such as IgG, IgA, or IgM.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 86147 is used when analyzing cardiolipin antibodies in patients with various conditions, including syphilis, antiphospholipid syndrome, autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, and women with recurrent miscarriages. The test may be ordered when patients present symptoms such as pain and swelling in the extremities, shortness of breath, headache, frequent blood clots, or a history of recurrent miscarriages.

5. When to use CPT code 86147

CPT code 86147 should be used when the lab analyst performs the analysis of cardiolipin antibodies for each immunoglobulin class tested. It is important to report this code for accurate billing and documentation purposes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 86147, the following documentation is required:

• Patient’s symptoms or medical history justifying the need for the test
• Details of the specific immunoglobulin classes tested (e.g., IgG, IgA, IgM)
• Date and time of the analysis
• Results of the analysis
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 86147, ensure that the analysis is performed by a lab analyst and that the code is reported for each immunoglobulin class tested. It is important to follow payer-specific guidelines and consider reporting any additional codes for specimen collection if required.

8. Historical information

CPT 86147 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993, with a code change on January 1, 2001. There have been no further updates to the code since then.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs the analysis of cardiolipin antibodies for IgG class in a patient with suspected systemic lupus erythematosus.
2. Cardiolipin antibody analysis for IgM class is conducted by a lab analyst for a patient with a history of recurrent miscarriages.
3. An immunology lab tests for cardiolipin antibodies of IgA class in a patient presenting symptoms of antiphospholipid syndrome.
4. A lab analyst analyzes cardiolipin antibodies for all three immunoglobulin classes (IgG, IgA, and IgM) in a patient with suspected syphilis.
5. Cardiolipin antibody analysis for IgG class is performed by a lab analyst for a patient with frequent blood clots.
6. A lab analyst tests for cardiolipin antibodies of IgM class in a patient experiencing pain and swelling in the extremities.
7. An immunology lab analyzes cardiolipin antibodies for IgA class in a patient with shortness of breath and headache.
8. Cardiolipin antibody analysis for IgG class is conducted by a lab analyst for a woman with a history of recurrent miscarriages.
9. A lab analyst performs the analysis of cardiolipin antibodies for IgM class in a patient suspected of having an autoimmune disease.
10. An immunology lab tests for cardiolipin antibodies of IgA class in a patient with symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus.