How To Use CPT Code 86771

CPT 86771 describes the immunoassay procedure used to evaluate a patient’s serum antibodies to Shigella. 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 86771?

CPT 86771 can be used to describe the immunoassay procedure performed by a lab analyst to evaluate a patient’s serum antibodies to Shigella bacteria. This test helps in diagnosing shigellosis, a gastrointestinal infection caused by Shigella. It is ordered when a patient presents with symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, dysentery, cramps, diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and the presence of blood or mucous in stool that does not resolve with treatment of the symptoms.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 86771 is: ‘Antibody; Shigella.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs an immunoassay to evaluate the patient’s serum antibodies to Shigella bacteria.
2. The immunoassay method used is typically an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
3. The procedure involves reacting the patient’s specimen with test antigens, incubating the mixture, and adding an agent to detect the antigen-antibody complex.
4. The results of the test are interpreted as positive, negative, or as a semiquantitative value.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 86771 is used when a patient’s serum antibodies to Shigella bacteria are being evaluated. It is typically ordered when there are symptoms suggestive of shigellosis and other causes have been ruled out. The test is performed by a lab analyst using an immunoassay method such as ELISA.

5. When to use CPT code 86771

CPT code 86771 should be used when a patient’s serum antibodies to Shigella bacteria are being tested using an immunoassay method. It is appropriate when there are clinical indications of shigellosis and the test is ordered to confirm the presence of Shigella antibodies in the patient’s serum.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 86771, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as symptoms suggestive of shigellosis
• Details of the immunoassay method used, such as ELISA
• Date of the test
• Interpretation of the test results
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 86771, ensure that the immunoassay procedure is performed to evaluate the patient’s serum antibodies to Shigella. It is important to use the correct CPT code for the specific test being performed. If the analyst also cultures the stool to try to find the bacteria Shigella, a separate code should be used for the stool culture. Some payers may also reimburse for the collection of the specimen using a separate code.

8. Historical information

CPT 86771 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 severe dysentery and other symptoms suggestive of shigellosis. The lab analyst performs an immunoassay to evaluate the patient’s serum antibodies to Shigella.
2. A patient with persistent diarrhea and abdominal discomfort undergoes an immunoassay to test for Shigella antibodies in their serum.
3. A patient with cramps, fever, and bloody stool is tested for Shigella antibodies using an immunoassay method.
4. A patient with vomiting and the presence of mucous in stool undergoes an immunoassay to evaluate their serum antibodies to Shigella.
5. A patient with a history of travel to a region with a high prevalence of shigellosis is tested for Shigella antibodies using an immunoassay.
6. A patient with recurrent episodes of dysentery undergoes an immunoassay to confirm the presence of Shigella antibodies in their serum.
7. A patient with persistent abdominal discomfort and diarrhea is tested for Shigella antibodies using an immunoassay method.
8. A patient with a suspected foodborne infection is tested for Shigella antibodies using an immunoassay.
9. A patient with a history of exposure to someone with shigellosis is tested for Shigella antibodies using an immunoassay.
10. A patient with a recent trip to a developing country is tested for Shigella antibodies using an immunoassay method.