How To Use CPT Code 86674

CPT 86674 describes the immunoassay procedure used to evaluate a patient’s serum specimen for antibodies to Giardia lamblia, a parasite protozoa that causes giardiasis. 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 86674?

CPT 86674 can be used to describe the immunoassay procedure performed by a lab analyst to evaluate a patient’s serum specimen for antibodies to Giardia lamblia, a parasite protozoa that causes giardiasis. This code is used when the analyst uses an immunoassay method, such as Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA), to test the patient’s serum for the presence of specific antibodies.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 86674 is: ‘Antibody; Giardia lamblia.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a blood sample from the patient through a vein puncture and separates the serum, which will be used for the immunoassay.
2. The analyst prepares test plates or slides by immobilizing cells infected by the Giardia lamblia antigen.
3. The analyst adds the patient’s serum sample at various dilutions to the test plates or slides.
4. During incubation, the antibodies present in the patient’s serum will bind to the Giardia lamblia antigen, forming an antigen-antibody complex.
5. The analyst adds an anti-IgG antibody conjugated to a fluorescent marker to the antigen-antibody complex.
6. The slides are observed under a microscope using ultraviolet illumination.
7. If the patient’s serum contains antibodies to Giardia lamblia, a characteristic apple green glow of the fluorescent marker will be observed, indicating a positive result.
8. A value greater than 1:16 is considered positive for the presence of antibodies to Giardia lamblia.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 86674 is used when a lab analyst performs an immunoassay to evaluate a patient’s serum specimen for antibodies to Giardia lamblia. This procedure is typically performed when there is a suspicion of giardiasis, an infection caused by the Giardia lamblia parasite. The presence of specific antibodies in the patient’s serum indicates exposure to the parasite and helps in the diagnosis of giardiasis.

5. When to use CPT code 86674

CPT code 86674 should be used when a lab analyst performs an immunoassay to evaluate a patient’s serum specimen for antibodies to Giardia lamblia. This code is appropriate when there is a clinical suspicion of giardiasis and the immunoassay is performed to confirm the presence of specific antibodies in the patient’s serum.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 86674, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Clinical indication for performing the immunoassay
• Details of the immunoassay method used, such as Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
• Date of the procedure
• Results of the immunoassay, including the presence or absence of antibodies to Giardia lamblia and the specific antibody titer
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 86674, ensure that the immunoassay procedure is performed by a qualified lab analyst. Follow the appropriate coding guidelines and documentation requirements. It is important to note that CPT code 86674 should not be reported with other codes for similar immunoassay procedures.

8. Historical information

CPT code 86674 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs an immunoassay to evaluate a patient’s serum specimen for antibodies to Giardia lamblia, confirming the diagnosis of giardiasis.
2. Using the IFA method, the lab analyst tests the serum of a patient with gastrointestinal symptoms for the presence of antibodies to Giardia lamblia, aiding in the diagnosis of giardiasis.
3. A patient with a recent history of travel to a region known for giardiasis undergoes an immunoassay to detect antibodies to Giardia lamblia, helping to confirm exposure to the parasite.
4. The lab analyst performs an immunoassay on the serum of a patient with persistent diarrhea, suspecting giardiasis as the underlying cause.
5. Using the immunoassay method, the lab analyst tests the serum of a patient with abdominal pain and bloating for the presence of antibodies to Giardia lamblia, assisting in the diagnosis of giardiasis.
6. A patient with a suspected giardia infection undergoes an immunoassay to detect antibodies to Giardia lamblia, providing confirmation of the diagnosis.
7. The lab analyst performs an immunoassay on the serum of a patient with unexplained weight loss, considering giardiasis as a possible cause.
8. Using the IFA technique, the lab analyst tests the serum of a patient with chronic fatigue and gastrointestinal symptoms for the presence of antibodies to Giardia lamblia, aiding in the diagnosis of giardiasis.
9. A patient with a recent camping trip and symptoms of diarrhea undergoes an immunoassay to detect antibodies to Giardia lamblia, helping to confirm exposure to the parasite.