How To Use CPT Code 86708

CPT 86708 describes the evaluation of a patient’s serum for antibodies to hepatitis A using an immunoassay method. 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 86708?

CPT 86708 can be used to evaluate a patient’s serum for antibodies to hepatitis A. This test is performed using an immunoassay method, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), to detect the presence of total antibodies to hepatitis A in the patient’s blood.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 86708 is: ‘Hepatitis A antibody (HAAb); total.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs an immunoassay to evaluate the patient’s serum for antibodies to hepatitis A.
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 semiquantitative value.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 86708 is used when a patient’s serum is tested for total antibodies to hepatitis A. This test may be ordered if a patient presents with symptoms of hepatitis, such as prolonged fatigue, fever, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, jaundice, or other indicators of hepatitis. It is important to note that this test does not specifically test for the IgM antibody to hepatitis A.

5. When to use CPT code 86708

CPT code 86708 should be used when a healthcare provider orders a test to evaluate a patient’s serum for total antibodies to hepatitis A. This code is appropriate when the immunoassay method is used to detect the presence of these antibodies in the patient’s blood. If the test specifically targets the IgM antibody to hepatitis A, CPT code 86709 should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 86708, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as symptoms or indicators of hepatitis
• Method used for the immunoassay, such as ELISA
• Date the test was performed
• Results of the test, reported as positive, negative, or semiquantitative
• Signature of the healthcare provider ordering the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 86708, ensure that the test is performed to evaluate the patient’s serum for total antibodies to hepatitis A. This code should not be reported if the test specifically targets the IgM antibody to hepatitis A, in which case CPT code 86709 should be used. It is important to note that some payers may separately reimburse for the collection of the specimen using a code such as 36415.

8. Historical information

CPT code 86708 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1998. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with symptoms of hepatitis, including prolonged fatigue, fever, and abdominal pain. The healthcare provider orders a test to evaluate the patient’s serum for total antibodies to hepatitis A using an immunoassay method.
2. A patient with a history of hepatitis exposure undergoes a routine screening test to evaluate their serum for total antibodies to hepatitis A.
3. A patient who recently traveled to a region with a high prevalence of hepatitis A undergoes a test to evaluate their serum for total antibodies to hepatitis A.
4. A patient who works in a healthcare setting where there has been an outbreak of hepatitis A undergoes a test to evaluate their serum for total antibodies to hepatitis A.
5. A patient with a known risk factor for hepatitis A, such as intravenous drug use, undergoes a test to evaluate their serum for total antibodies to hepatitis A.