How To Use CPT Code 86706

CPT 86706 describes the laboratory test for hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb). 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 86706?

CPT 86706 is used to identify the laboratory test for hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb). This test is performed by a lab analyst to evaluate a patient’s specimen, typically serum, for the presence of HBsAb. The test utilizes an immunoassay method, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), to detect the antibody in the patient’s blood.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 86706 is: ‘Hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb).’ This code specifically identifies the laboratory test for HBsAb, which is used to detect the presence of hepatitis B virus in a patient’s blood.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a specimen, typically serum, from the patient.
2. The specimen is then tested using an immunoassay method, such as ELISA, to detect the presence of HBsAb.
3. The test may involve reacting the specimen with test antigens, incubating the mixture, and adding an agent to detect the antigen-antibody complex.
4. The lab analyst interprets the results of the test as positive, negative, or as a semiquantitative value.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 86706 is used when a clinician orders the test to detect the presence of hepatitis B virus in a patient’s blood. This may be done if the patient has symptoms of hepatitis, such as general ill health, continuous mild fever, body aches, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, or jaundice. The test may also be ordered a few months after a patient has received the hepatitis B vaccine to test for immunity.

5. When to use CPT code 86706

CPT code 86706 should be used when a clinician orders the laboratory test specifically for hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb). It is important to ensure that the test is performed using the appropriate method, such as ELISA, to detect the presence of HBsAb in the patient’s blood.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 86706, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as symptoms of hepatitis or post-vaccination testing
• Method used for the test, such as ELISA
• Date of the test
• Results of the test, indicating whether it is positive, negative, or a semiquantitative value

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 86706, ensure that the test is performed to detect hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) using the appropriate method, such as ELISA. It is important to follow any specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding the use of this code. Additionally, consider whether there are any separate codes for specimen collection that may need to be reported in addition to CPT 86706.

8. Historical information

CPT 86706 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1998. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A clinician orders CPT 86706 to test a patient’s blood for hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) after the patient has received the hepatitis B vaccine.
2. A patient presents with symptoms of hepatitis, and the clinician orders CPT 86706 to detect the presence of HBsAb in the patient’s blood.
3. A patient who previously tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen undergoes CPT 86706 to determine if they have developed HBsAb and are now immune to hepatitis B.
4. A clinician orders CPT 86706 to test a patient’s blood for HBsAb as part of a routine screening for hepatitis B infection.
5. A patient who has been exposed to hepatitis B undergoes CPT 86706 to determine if they have developed HBsAb as a result of the exposure.