How To Use CPT Code 86689

CPT 86689 describes the confirmatory antibody test for HTLV or HIV using a patient’s serum. 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 86689?

CPT 86689 can be used to describe the confirmatory antibody test performed by a lab analyst using a patient’s serum to detect antibodies for HTLV or HIV. This test is typically ordered to confirm positive results obtained through other methods and provides higher specificity for HTLV or HIV.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 86689 is: ‘Antibody; HTLV or HIV antibody, confirmatory test (eg, Western Blot).’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs a confirmatory antibody test using the patient’s serum.
2. The test may involve various steps, such as using electrophoresis to separate reagent target antigens and transferring them to a blot.
3. The analyst applies the patient’s serum to the blot and adds a dye to reveal specific antibodies to HTLV or HIV.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 86689 is typically ordered when there is a need to confirm positive HTLV or HIV results obtained through other methods. This test offers higher specificity for HTLV or HIV and may reduce issues of cross-reactivity with other antibodies.

5. When to use CPT code 86689

CPT code 86689 should be used when a confirmatory antibody test for HTLV or HIV is necessary to validate positive results obtained through other methods. It is not appropriate to use this code for antigen detection.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 86689, documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the confirmatory antibody test
• Details of the specific method used, such as Western blot
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the test
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 86689, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst using the patient’s serum. 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 86689 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 lab analyst performs a confirmatory antibody test using a patient’s serum to validate positive HTLV results obtained through initial screening.
2. A confirmatory antibody test is conducted by a lab analyst using a patient’s serum to confirm positive HIV results obtained through a rapid test.
3. A patient’s serum is tested by a lab analyst using a confirmatory antibody test to verify positive HTLV results from a previous laboratory test.
4. A lab analyst performs a confirmatory antibody test using a patient’s serum to confirm positive HIV results obtained through a point-of-care test.
5. A confirmatory antibody test is conducted by a lab analyst using a patient’s serum to validate positive HTLV results obtained through a home testing kit.
6. A patient’s serum is tested by a lab analyst using a confirmatory antibody test to confirm positive HIV results from a previous laboratory screening.
7. A lab analyst performs a confirmatory antibody test using a patient’s serum to validate positive HTLV results obtained through a blood donation screening.
8. A confirmatory antibody test is conducted by a lab analyst using a patient’s serum to confirm positive HIV results obtained through a self-testing device.
9. A patient’s serum is tested by a lab analyst using a confirmatory antibody test to verify positive HTLV results from a previous laboratory screening.
10. A lab analyst performs a confirmatory antibody test using a patient’s serum to confirm positive HIV results obtained through an oral fluid test.