How To Use CPT Code 86727

CPT 86727 describes the evaluation of a patient’s specimen for antibodies to the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. 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 86727?

CPT 86727 can be used to evaluate a patient’s specimen for antibodies to the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. This code is used when a lab analyst performs an immunoassay to test for these antibodies in the patient’s serum sample or cerebrospinal fluid. The test method used is the immunofluorescence assay (IFA), where the analyst observes the patient’s sample under a microscope with ultraviolet illumination to detect the presence of specific antibodies.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 86727 is: ‘Antibody; lymphocytic choriomeningitis.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst prepares test plates or slides by immobilizing cells infected by the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus antigen.
2. The analyst adds the patient’s serum sample or cerebrospinal fluid to the test plates or slides at various dilutions.
3. During incubation, the antibodies present in the patient’s sample bind to the antigen, forming an antigen-antibody complex.
4. The analyst adds a fluorescently labeled antibody to the antigen-antibody complex.
5. The analyst observes the slides under a microscope with ultraviolet illumination, and the presence of a fluorescent glow indicates the specific antibody bound to the antigen.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 86727 is used when a patient’s specimen is tested for antibodies to the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. This test may be ordered when a patient presents with symptoms suggestive of encephalitis or meningoencephalitis, such as fever, lack of appetite, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and weakness. The test helps in the diagnosis of these conditions and aids in identifying the presence of the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus.

5. When to use CPT code 86727

CPT code 86727 should be used when a lab analyst performs an immunoassay to evaluate a patient’s specimen for antibodies to the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. This code is not used for antigen detection. It is important to note that this code should only be used for the specific evaluation of antibodies to the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and not for other purposes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 86727, the following documentation is required:

• Patient’s symptoms suggestive of encephalitis or meningoencephalitis
• Details of the immunoassay performed, including the use of the immunofluorescence assay (IFA)
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the test indicating the presence or absence of antibodies to the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 86727, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst and that the documentation requirements are met. This code should not be reported for antigen detection. 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 86727 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with symptoms of encephalitis, and the lab analyst performs an immunoassay to evaluate the patient’s specimen for antibodies to the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus.
2. A patient with suspected meningoencephalitis undergoes testing for antibodies to the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus using the immunofluorescence assay.
3. A physician orders the evaluation of a patient’s serum sample for antibodies to the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus due to the presence of fever, headache, and muscle pain.
4. A lab analyst performs an immunoassay on a cerebrospinal fluid sample to detect antibodies to the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus in a patient with neurological symptoms.
5. A patient with weakness and nausea undergoes testing for antibodies to the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus to rule out the presence of the virus.
6. A lab analyst evaluates a patient’s specimen for antibodies to the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus using the immunofluorescence assay, as the patient has been exposed to rodents.
7. A physician orders the testing for antibodies to the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus in a patient with a suspected viral infection.
8. A lab analyst performs an immunoassay on a serum sample to detect antibodies to the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus in a patient with unexplained symptoms.
9. A patient with a history of exposure to rodents undergoes testing for antibodies to the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus using the immunofluorescence assay.
10. A lab analyst evaluates a cerebrospinal fluid sample for antibodies to the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus in a patient with suspected meningoencephalitis.