How To Use CPT Code 86762

CPT 86762 describes the evaluation of a patient’s serum for antibodies to rubella 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 86762?

CPT 86762 can be used to evaluate a patient’s serum for antibodies to the rubella virus. This code is used when a lab analyst performs an immunoassay using a method such as enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the presence of rubella antibodies in the patient’s blood.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 86762 is: ‘Antibody; rubella.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs an immunoassay to evaluate the patient’s serum for antibodies to rubella.
2. The immunoassay method used may involve 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 86762 is used when there is a need to evaluate a patient’s serum for antibodies to the rubella virus. This may be necessary when there is suspicion of a rubella infection or to determine the immune status of an individual. The test is performed by a lab analyst using an immunoassay method such as ELISA.

5. When to use CPT code 86762

CPT code 86762 should be used when there is a specific need to evaluate a patient’s serum for rubella antibodies. This may be necessary in cases where there is suspicion of a rubella infection, or when determining the immune status of an individual, such as during pregnancy or prior to vaccination.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 86762, the following documentation is required:

• Indication for the test, such as suspicion of rubella infection or determination of immune status
• Method used for the immunoassay, such as ELISA
• Date of the test
• Results of the test, reported as positive, negative, or as a semiquantitative value
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 86762, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst using an immunoassay method. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 86762 with other codes. However, it is important to follow any payer-specific guidelines and documentation requirements.

8. Historical information

CPT 86762 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 lab analyst performs an immunoassay to evaluate a patient’s serum for rubella antibodies, and the results are reported as positive.
2. During a routine prenatal visit, a pregnant patient’s serum is tested for rubella antibodies to determine her immune status.
3. A patient presents with symptoms consistent with rubella infection, and a blood test is performed to confirm the diagnosis.
4. A healthcare provider requests a rubella antibody test for a patient prior to administering the rubella vaccine.
5. A patient with a history of rubella infection undergoes a follow-up test to assess their immune response.