How To Use CPT Code 86155

CPT 86155 describes a specific laboratory test known as a chemotaxis assay. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 86155?

CPT 86155 is a code used to describe a laboratory test called a chemotaxis assay. This test evaluates the function of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, in moving towards sites of inflammation or infection to destroy bacteria. The test is typically performed on whole blood and assesses the ability of neutrophils to undergo chemotaxis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 86155 is not provided. Please refer to the knowledge section for more information about the test.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs a technical test on anticoagulated whole blood to evaluate the chemotaxis function of neutrophils.
2. The specific method used for the chemotaxis assay may vary, such as a modified Boyden chamber, migration of neutrophils on an agarose gel, or flow cytometry.
3. The choice of method depends on the availability of testing methods and the optimal age of the blood sample.
4. The test assesses the ability of neutrophils to move towards sites of inflammation or infection.
5. Neutrophil chemotaxis dysfunction may be a primary or acquired condition, caused by factors such as hyperimmunoglobulin E, drugs, or diseases.

4. Qualifying circumstances

A chemotaxis assay may be ordered by a clinician for patients experiencing recurrent infections or skin disease. The test is not limited to a specific condition but is used to evaluate the function of neutrophils in moving towards sites of inflammation or infection. Neutrophil dysfunction can occur as a primary condition or as a secondary dysfunction due to various factors.

5. When to use CPT code 86155

CPT code 86155 should be used when a chemotaxis assay is performed to evaluate the function of neutrophils in moving towards sites of inflammation or infection. This code is appropriate when the test is ordered by a clinician for patients with recurrent infections or skin disease. It is important to ensure that the test is performed on anticoagulated whole blood and that the specific method used for the assay is documented.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 86155, the following documentation is required:

• Indication for the chemotaxis assay, such as recurrent infections or skin disease
• Method used for the assay, such as a modified Boyden chamber or flow cytometry
• Date of the test
• Results of the test, indicating the function of neutrophils in moving towards sites of inflammation or infection
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 86155, ensure that the test is performed on anticoagulated whole blood and that the specific method used for the assay is documented. There are no specific guidelines provided regarding reporting CPT code 86155 with other codes. It is important to follow the documentation requirements and guidelines provided by the payer.

8. Historical information

CPT code 86155 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A clinician orders a chemotaxis assay for a patient with recurrent skin infections to evaluate the function of neutrophils in moving towards sites of infection.
2. A patient with a history of recurrent respiratory infections undergoes a chemotaxis assay to assess the ability of neutrophils to migrate towards sites of inflammation in the respiratory system.
3. A clinician orders a chemotaxis assay for a patient with a suspected primary immunodeficiency disorder to evaluate the function of neutrophils in responding to infection.
4. A patient with a chronic skin disease undergoes a chemotaxis assay to assess the ability of neutrophils to migrate towards sites of inflammation in the skin.
5. A clinician orders a chemotaxis assay for a patient with a suspected acquired neutrophil dysfunction due to medication use to evaluate the function of neutrophils in responding to infection.
6. A patient with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections undergoes a chemotaxis assay to assess the ability of neutrophils to migrate towards sites of inflammation in the urinary system.
7. A clinician orders a chemotaxis assay for a patient with a suspected primary neutrophil dysfunction to evaluate the function of neutrophils in responding to infection.
8. A patient with a chronic gastrointestinal disease undergoes a chemotaxis assay to assess the ability of neutrophils to migrate towards sites of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
9. A clinician orders a chemotaxis assay for a patient with a suspected acquired neutrophil dysfunction due to a specific disease to evaluate the function of neutrophils in responding to infection.
10. A patient with a history of recurrent ear infections undergoes a chemotaxis assay to assess the ability of neutrophils to migrate towards sites of inflammation in the ear.