How To Use CPT Code 86337

CPT 86337 describes the measurement of insulin antibodies in patient blood using specific substances and methodologies such as radioimmunoassay. 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 86337?

CPT 86337 can be used to measure the presence of insulin antibodies in patient blood. This test is typically ordered for patients suspected of having type 1 diabetes, those who show allergic responses to insulin, or individuals for whom insulin is not effectively controlling their blood sugar levels. The test helps distinguish between type 1 and type 2 diabetes by detecting the presence of insulin antibodies.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 86337 is: ‘Insulin antibodies; measurement of insulin antibodies.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a blood sample from the patient through vein puncture.
2. The collected blood specimen is mixed with specific substances to measure insulin antibodies.
3. The lab analyst may use a methodology such as radioimmunoassay (RIA) to detect the presence of insulin antibodies.
4. The blood sample is centrifuged to separate the serum.
5. If insulin antibodies are present in the serum, they will form a soluble complex upon reaction with human insulin.
6. Goat antihuman immunoglobulins are added to precipitate the complex, and the level of radioactivity of the precipitate is measured to quantitate the amount of insulin antibodies present.
7. A value of less than 0.02 nmol/L is considered normal.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 86337 is ordered for patients suspected of having type 1 diabetes, those who exhibit allergic responses to insulin, or individuals for whom insulin is not effectively controlling their blood sugar levels. The test helps differentiate between type 1 and type 2 diabetes by measuring the presence of insulin antibodies in the patient’s blood.

5. When to use CPT code 86337

CPT code 86337 should be used when a healthcare provider orders a test to measure insulin antibodies in patient blood. It is appropriate for patients suspected of having type 1 diabetes, those who show allergic responses to insulin, or individuals for whom insulin is not effectively controlling their blood sugar levels.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 86337, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as suspicion of type 1 diabetes or allergic responses to insulin
• Methodology used to measure insulin antibodies
• Date of the test
• Results of the test, including the level of insulin antibodies present

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 86337, ensure that the test is ordered for patients suspected of having type 1 diabetes, those who exhibit allergic responses to insulin, or individuals for whom insulin is not effectively controlling their blood sugar levels. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 86337 with other codes. However, some payers may separately reimburse for the collection of the blood specimen, which can be reported with code 36415.

8. Historical information

CPT 86337 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 patient suspected of having type 1 diabetes undergoes a test to measure insulin antibodies in their blood.
2. An individual who shows allergic responses to insulin undergoes a test to detect the presence of insulin antibodies.
3. A patient for whom insulin is not effectively controlling their blood sugar levels undergoes a test to measure insulin antibodies.
4. A healthcare provider orders a test to differentiate between type 1 and type 2 diabetes by measuring the presence of insulin antibodies in a patient’s blood.
5. A patient with suspected type 1 diabetes mellitus undergoes a test to diagnose and monitor their condition by measuring insulin antibodies.
6. An individual exhibiting allergic responses to insulin undergoes a test to determine the presence of insulin antibodies.
7. A patient for whom insulin is not effectively controlling their blood sugar levels undergoes a test to assess the presence of insulin antibodies.
8. A healthcare provider orders a test to distinguish between type 1 and type 2 diabetes by measuring insulin antibodies in a patient’s blood.
9. A patient suspected of having type 1 diabetes mellitus undergoes a test to measure insulin antibodies and confirm the diagnosis.
10. An individual experiencing allergic responses to insulin undergoes a test to detect the presence of insulin antibodies and determine the cause of the allergic reactions.