How To Use CPT Code 86334

CPT 86334 describes the procedure known as immunofixation electrophoresis, which is used to diagnose and monitor monoclonal gammopathies or myeloma, a bone marrow tumor. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 86334?

CPT 86334 is a code used to describe the procedure called immunofixation electrophoresis. This procedure is typically performed on a patient’s serum and is used to diagnose and monitor monoclonal gammopathies or myeloma, which is a bone marrow tumor. It involves the separation of serum proteins based on their size, shape, and electric charge using an electric field on a gel. The lab analyst adds an antigen to these proteins, and the presence of antibodies is indicated by the appearance of narrow bands on the gel. The results are reported as either positive or negative, indicating the presence or absence of the antibody.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 86334 is: ‘Immunofixation electrophoresis; serum.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs immunofixation electrophoresis on the patient’s serum.
2. The procedure involves the separation of serum proteins based on their size, shape, and electric charge using an electric field on a gel.
3. An antigen is added to the proteins, and the presence of antibodies is indicated by the appearance of narrow bands on the gel.
4. The results are reported as either positive or negative, indicating the presence or absence of the antibody.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Immunofixation electrophoresis is typically ordered by clinicians to help diagnose and monitor myeloma and monoclonal gammopathies. It is not limited to testing for specific conditions. The procedure is performed on the patient’s serum, and the presence or absence of antibodies is determined through the appearance of narrow bands on the gel.

5. When to use CPT code 86334

CPT code 86334 should be used when performing immunofixation electrophoresis on a patient’s serum to diagnose or monitor monoclonal gammopathies or myeloma. It is important to note that this code is specific to the serum and should not be used when evaluating fluids other than serum, such as urine or cerebrospinal fluid.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 86334, the documentation should include:

• The reason for performing immunofixation electrophoresis
• The specific procedure performed on the patient’s serum
• The date and time of the procedure
• The results of the procedure, indicating the presence or absence of antibodies

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 86334, it is important to ensure that the procedure was performed on the patient’s serum. If the procedure is performed on fluids other than serum, such as urine or cerebrospinal fluid, a different code should be used. It is also important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer. For example, some payers may require reporting a separate code for specimen collection.

8. Historical information

CPT code 86334 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performing immunofixation electrophoresis on a patient’s serum to diagnose monoclonal gammopathy.
2. Performing immunofixation electrophoresis on a patient’s serum to monitor the progression of myeloma.
3. Ordering immunofixation electrophoresis on a patient’s serum to investigate abnormal protein levels.
4. Performing immunofixation electrophoresis on a patient’s serum to confirm the presence of specific antibodies.
5. Using immunofixation electrophoresis on a patient’s serum to differentiate between different types of monoclonal gammopathies.