How To Use CPT Code 86602

CPT 86602 describes the qualitative or semiquantitative immunoassay performed by multiple-step methods to detect antibodies to actinomyces. 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 86602?

CPT 86602 can be used to describe the immunoassay performed to detect antibodies to actinomyces using multiple-step methods. This code is used when the lab analyst evaluates the patient’s blood for the presence of antibodies to actinomyces, a type of infection-causing antigen. The test involves various steps, such as reacting the specimen with test antigens, incubating the mixture, and interpreting the results.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 86602 is: ‘Antibody; actinomyces.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a blood specimen from the patient.
2. The specimen is subjected to a multi-step immunoassay using procedures such as enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
3. The test involves reacting the specimen with test antigens, incubating the mixture, and adding an agent to detect the antigen/antibody complex.
4. The results of the test are interpreted as positive, negative, or as a semi-quantitative value.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 86602 is used when the immunoassay is performed to detect antibodies to actinomyces. It is typically ordered by clinicians to aid in the diagnosis of actinomycosis, a disease caused by actinomyces infection. The test helps identify the presence of actinomyces antibodies in the patient’s serum, which can indicate the presence of the infection.

5. When to use CPT code 86602

CPT code 86602 should be used when a multi-step immunoassay is performed to detect antibodies to actinomyces. It is not appropriate for single-step methods, such as reagent strips. If a quantitative test is required, a different code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 86602, the documentation should include:

• Indication of the need for the test, such as suspected actinomyces infection
• Details of the multi-step immunoassay performed, including the specific procedures used
• Date of the test
• Results of the test, indicating whether it was positive, negative, or a semi-quantitative value

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 86602, ensure that the test performed is a multi-step immunoassay for detecting antibodies to actinomyces. It is important to use the appropriate code for the specific test being performed and to follow any modifier requirements specified by the payer. It is also important to check with the payer regarding any specific guidelines or requirements for reporting multiple units of this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 86602 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs a multi-step immunoassay to detect antibodies to actinomyces in a patient’s blood sample.
2. A clinician orders CPT 86602 to aid in the diagnosis of actinomycosis in a patient with suspected actinomyces infection.
3. The immunoassay results for antibodies to actinomyces are interpreted as positive, indicating the presence of the infection.
4. CPT 86602 is used to report the immunoassay performed to detect antibodies to actinomyces in a patient’s serum.
5. A patient undergoes a multi-step immunoassay for actinomyces antibodies, and the results are reported as negative, ruling out the presence of the infection.
6. CPT 86602 is billed for the immunoassay performed to detect antibodies to actinomyces in a patient’s blood sample.
7. A lab technician performs the multi-step immunoassay to detect actinomyces antibodies in a patient’s serum.
8. CPT 86602 is used to report the immunoassay performed to detect antibodies to actinomyces in a patient’s blood sample.
9. The immunoassay for actinomyces antibodies is performed using a multi-step method, and the results are reported as a semi-quantitative value.
10. CPT 86602 is billed for the immunoassay performed to detect antibodies to actinomyces in a patient’s serum.