How To Use CPT Code 86329

CPT 86329 describes the procedure for performing immunodiffusion, a test that evaluates a patient’s sample for the amounts and types of certain proteins, known as immunoglobulins. 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 86329?

CPT 86329 can be used to describe the procedure performed by a lab analyst to test a patient’s sample, typically serum, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid, for immunoglobulins using an immunodiffusion method. The analyst will pipette the sample into a well in an agarose plate that contains antigens, which attach to immunoglobulins. The antibodies in the sample will diffuse into the gel and form a white area of precipitated antibody complexes. The size and thickness of this area can indicate the concentration of immunoglobulin in the sample.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 86329 is: ‘Immunodiffusion; not elsewhere specified.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a patient’s sample, such as serum, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid.
2. The analyst pipettes the sample into a well in an agarose plate that contains antigens.
3. The antibodies in the sample diffuse into the gel and form a white area of precipitated antibody complexes.
4. The analyst interprets the results based on the size and thickness of the precipitated area.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 86329 can be used when a lab analyst performs immunodiffusion to evaluate a patient’s sample for immunoglobulins. This test may be ordered by clinicians to assess the amount of immunoglobulins present and diagnose certain conditions, such as fungal infections.

5. When to use CPT code 86329

CPT code 86329 should be used when a lab analyst performs immunodiffusion to evaluate a patient’s sample for immunoglobulins. It is important to note that this code is not limited to testing for specific conditions and can be used for various diagnostic purposes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 86329, documentation should include:

• Patient’s sample type (serum, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid)
• Details of the immunodiffusion procedure performed
• Interpretation of the results

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 86329, ensure that the procedure is performed by a lab analyst and that the documentation supports the use of this code. It is important to follow any specific guidelines provided by payers regarding the reporting of this code. Additionally, consider reporting any additional codes for specimen collection if required by the payer.

8. Historical information

CPT 86329 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 lab analyst performs immunodiffusion on a patient’s serum sample to assess the presence of specific immunoglobulins related to a suspected fungal infection.
2. Using immunodiffusion, a lab analyst tests a patient’s urine sample to evaluate the concentration of immunoglobulins associated with a suspected autoimmune disorder.
3. Immunodiffusion is performed by a lab analyst on a patient’s cerebrospinal fluid sample to assess the levels of immunoglobulins related to a suspected neurological condition.
4. A lab analyst uses immunodiffusion to test a patient’s serum sample for the presence of immunoglobulins associated with a suspected allergic reaction.
5. Performing immunodiffusion, a lab analyst evaluates a patient’s urine sample to assess the concentration of immunoglobulins related to a suspected kidney disease.
6. Using immunodiffusion, a lab analyst tests a patient’s cerebrospinal fluid sample to evaluate the levels of immunoglobulins associated with a suspected central nervous system infection.
7. A lab analyst performs immunodiffusion on a patient’s serum sample to assess the presence of specific immunoglobulins related to a suspected autoimmune disorder.
8. Immunodiffusion is performed by a lab analyst on a patient’s urine sample to evaluate the concentration of immunoglobulins associated with a suspected kidney disease.
9. A lab analyst uses immunodiffusion to test a patient’s cerebrospinal fluid sample for the presence of immunoglobulins associated with a suspected neurological condition.
10. Performing immunodiffusion, a lab analyst evaluates a patient’s serum sample to assess the concentration of immunoglobulins related to a suspected allergic reaction.