How To Use CPT Code 86335

CPT 86335 describes the procedure for immunofixation electrophoresis on fluids other than serum, such as urine or cerebrospinal fluid, to diagnose and monitor monoclonal gammopathies or myeloma. 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 86335?

CPT 86335 is used to describe the procedure of immunofixation electrophoresis on fluids other than serum, such as urine or cerebrospinal fluid. This test is performed to diagnose and monitor monoclonal gammopathies or myeloma, which is a bone marrow tumor. It involves separating proteins in the fluid sample using an electric current and identifying the presence or absence of specific antibodies.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 86335 is: ‘Immunofixation electrophoresis; other fluids with concentration (eg, urine, CSF).’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a urine or cerebrospinal fluid sample from the patient.
2. The fluid sample is placed on a slide containing a gel.
3. An electric current is passed through the gel, separating proteins based on their electric charge.
4. The proteins are exposed to antisera, which react to form immunoprecipitate bands.
5. The presence or absence of specific antibodies is determined based on the immunoprecipitate bands.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 86335 is performed when there is a need to diagnose or monitor monoclonal gammopathies or myeloma using fluids other than serum. This test is typically ordered by healthcare providers to evaluate urine or cerebrospinal fluid samples. It is important to note that this code is specific to the concentration of proteins in these fluids.

5. When to use CPT code 86335

CPT code 86335 should be used when performing immunofixation electrophoresis on fluids other than serum, such as urine or cerebrospinal fluid. It is important to ensure that the test is being performed to diagnose or monitor monoclonal gammopathies or myeloma. If the test is being performed on serum, CPT code 86334 should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 86335, the following documentation should be included:

• Indication for performing the test, such as suspected monoclonal gammopathies or myeloma
• Type of fluid sample used (urine, cerebrospinal fluid)
• Date of the test
• Results of the test, indicating the presence or absence of specific antibodies
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 86335, ensure that the test is being performed on fluids other than serum, such as urine or cerebrospinal fluid. It is important to use the appropriate CPT code based on the specific fluid being tested. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 86335 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 86335 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2005. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performing immunofixation electrophoresis on a urine sample to diagnose monoclonal gammopathies in a patient.
2. An oncologist ordering immunofixation electrophoresis on cerebrospinal fluid to monitor the progression of myeloma in a patient.
3. A nephrologist requesting immunofixation electrophoresis on a urine sample to evaluate a suspected case of monoclonal gammopathy.
4. A hematologist performing immunofixation electrophoresis on cerebrospinal fluid to confirm the presence of myeloma in a patient.
5. A neurologist ordering immunofixation electrophoresis on a urine sample to rule out monoclonal gammopathies in a patient with unexplained symptoms.
6. A rheumatologist requesting immunofixation electrophoresis on cerebrospinal fluid to monitor the response to treatment in a patient with myeloma.
7. A urologist performing immunofixation electrophoresis on a urine sample to evaluate a suspected case of monoclonal gammopathy in a patient.
8. A hematopathologist ordering immunofixation electrophoresis on cerebrospinal fluid to assess the presence of myeloma in a patient with neurological symptoms.
9. A nephrologist requesting immunofixation electrophoresis on a urine sample to monitor the progression of monoclonal gammopathy in a patient.
10. An oncologist performing immunofixation electrophoresis on cerebrospinal fluid to confirm the presence of myeloma in a patient with suspected neurological involvement.