How To Use CPT Code 86666

CPT 86666 describes the process of evaluating a patient’s serum for antibodies to the bacteria Ehrlichia. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 86666?

CPT 86666 can be used to evaluate a patient’s serum for antibodies to the bacteria Ehrlichia. This code represents a multi-step qualitative or semi-quantitative immunoassay to detect Ehrlichia antibodies. The test may involve various steps, such as reacting the specimen with test antigens, incubating the mixture, adding an agent to detect the antigen/antibody complex, and interpreting the results. It is important to note that CPT 86666 should not be used for antigen detection.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 86666 is: ‘Antibody; Ehrlichia.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs an immunoassay to evaluate the patient’s serum for antibodies to Ehrlichia.
2. The test may include various steps such as reacting the specimen with test antigens, incubating the mixture, adding an agent to detect the antigen/antibody complex, and interpreting the results.
3. The results are reported as positive, negative, or as a semi-quantitative value.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 86666 is typically ordered by clinicians to aid in the diagnosis of forms of ehrlichiosis, which are tick-borne diseases caused by different Ehrlichia species. Symptoms of ehrlichiosis include headache, muscle aches, fatigue, fever, vomiting, confusion, and rash. The test may be ordered during the initial period of suspected infection and again several weeks later to observe a possible rise of antibody levels indicating an active infection.

5. When to use CPT code 86666

CPT code 86666 should be used when a multi-step qualitative or semi-quantitative immunoassay is performed to detect Ehrlichia antibodies in a patient’s serum. It is important to use this code only for this specific purpose and not for antigen detection or single-step methods.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 86666, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test
• Details of the immunoassay procedure performed
• Interpretation of the results

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 86666, it is important to ensure that the test is performed using a multi-step qualitative or semi-quantitative immunoassay for Ehrlichia antibodies. It should not be reported with other codes for antigen detection or single-step methods. If multiple units of this code are performed, appropriate modifiers should be used to indicate that the tests are distinct.

8. Historical information

CPT 86666 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2001. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A clinician orders CPT 86666 to evaluate a patient’s serum for antibodies to Ehrlichia during the initial period of suspected infection.
2. A patient with symptoms of ehrlichiosis undergoes CPT 86666 to observe a possible rise of antibody levels several weeks after the initial test.
3. A lab analyst performs a multi-step immunoassay using CPT 86666 to detect Ehrlichia antibodies in a patient’s serum.
4. CPT 86666 is used to evaluate a patient’s serum for antibodies to Ehrlichia, aiding in the diagnosis of tick-borne diseases.
5. A clinician orders CPT 86666 to detect Ehrlichia antibodies in a patient’s serum, helping to confirm a suspected infection.
6. A patient undergoes CPT 86666 to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for ehrlichiosis by observing changes in antibody levels.
7. CPT 86666 is performed to detect Ehrlichia antibodies in a patient’s serum, providing crucial information for the management of tick-borne diseases.
8. A lab analyst interprets the results of CPT 86666, reporting the presence or absence of Ehrlichia antibodies in a patient’s serum.
9. A clinician orders CPT 86666 to rule out ehrlichiosis as a possible cause of a patient’s symptoms.
10. CPT 86666 is used to detect Ehrlichia antibodies in a patient’s serum, helping to guide further diagnostic and treatment decisions.