How To Use CPT Code 86632

CPT 86632 describes the laboratory test for Chlamydia antibody IgM, which is used to detect recent infections. 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 86632?

CPT 86632 can be used to describe the laboratory test performed by a lab analyst to detect Chlamydia antibody IgM in a patient’s serum. This test is used to identify recent infections caused by Chlamydia bacteria, which can lead to sexually transmitted diseases, pneumonia, and conjunctivitis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 86632 is: ‘Antibody; Chlamydia, IgM.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical lab test on the patient’s serum to detect Chlamydia antibody IgM.
2. The test typically involves a multistep procedure using microimmunofluorescent (MIF) antibody, which includes antigen-antibody reactions with fluorescent indicators, incubation, washing, and examination with a fluorescence microscope.
3. The results of the test show as a titer, indicating the concentration of IgM antibodies in the patient’s blood.
4. IgM antibodies indicate recent infections within the previous two to three weeks, and their levels may become undetectable after two months.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 86632 is used to detect Chlamydia antibody IgM, which indicates recent infections caused by Chlamydia bacteria. This test is ordered by clinicians to check for sexually transmitted diseases, determine the causative agent of pneumonia, or explain infertility. It is important to note that this test does not distinguish between different species of Chlamydia bacteria.

5. When to use CPT code 86632

CPT code 86632 should be used when a laboratory test is performed to detect Chlamydia antibody IgM in a patient’s serum. This test is appropriate when there is a suspicion of recent Chlamydia infection, such as in cases of sexually transmitted diseases, pneumonia, or unexplained infertility.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 86632, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as suspicion of recent Chlamydia infection
• Details of the laboratory test performed, including the methodology used
• Date of the test
• Results of the test, indicating the titer of Chlamydia antibody IgM

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 86632, ensure that the laboratory test is performed to detect Chlamydia antibody IgM. This code should not be reported with other codes for Chlamydia antigens or fluorescent antibody techniques. It is important to note that some payers may separately reimburse for specimen collection using a different code, such as 36415 for venous blood collection.

8. Historical information

CPT 86632 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 clinician orders CPT 86632 to detect Chlamydia antibody IgM in a patient with symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease.
2. A patient with suspected Chlamydia pneumonia undergoes CPT 86632 to determine the causative agent of the infection.
3. A couple struggling with infertility undergoes CPT 86632 to check for recent Chlamydia infection as a possible cause.
4. A clinician orders CPT 86632 for a patient with unexplained pneumonia to identify the presence of Chlamydia antibodies.
5. A patient with a history of Chlamydia infection undergoes CPT 86632 as part of a routine check-up to monitor their antibody levels.
6. A clinician orders CPT 86632 for a patient with symptoms of conjunctivitis to determine if Chlamydia infection is the underlying cause.
7. A pregnant patient with a history of Chlamydia infection undergoes CPT 86632 to ensure there is no recent infection that could affect the pregnancy.
8. A clinician orders CPT 86632 for a patient with recurrent sexually transmitted diseases to check for recent Chlamydia infection as a possible contributing factor.
9. A patient with symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease undergoes CPT 86632 to determine if Chlamydia infection is the cause of the condition.
10. A clinician orders CPT 86632 for a patient with unexplained infertility to check for recent Chlamydia infection as a possible factor affecting fertility.