How To Use CPT Code 86777

CPT 86777 describes the immunoassay procedure used to evaluate a patient’s serum or cerebrospinal fluid for antibodies other than IgM to toxoplasma, a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. 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 86777?

CPT 86777 can be used to describe the immunoassay procedure performed by a lab analyst to evaluate a patient’s serum or cerebrospinal fluid for antibodies other than IgM to toxoplasma. This test helps diagnose past or current infection with toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that spreads from contaminated cat feces or consumption of infected meat. The presence of antibodies indicates exposure to the parasite and can help determine the need for further treatment or monitoring.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 86777 is: ‘Antibody; Toxoplasma.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs an immunoassay using a method such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to test the patient’s serum or cerebrospinal fluid for antibodies to toxoplasma.
2. The procedure involves reacting the specimen with test antigens, incubating the mixture, and adding an agent to detect the antigen-antibody complex.
3. The lab analyst interprets the results as positive, negative, or as a semiquantitative value.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 86777 is used when a patient’s serum or cerebrospinal fluid is tested for antibodies other than IgM to toxoplasma. This test is ordered by clinicians to help diagnose past or current infection with toxoplasma gondii. It is important to note that CPT 86777 should not be used for antigen detection.

5. When to use CPT code 86777

CPT code 86777 should be used when a patient’s serum or cerebrospinal fluid is tested for antibodies other than IgM to toxoplasma. This test is typically ordered when there is suspicion of toxoplasma infection based on the patient’s symptoms or risk factors. It is important to follow clinical guidelines and consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 86777, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as suspected toxoplasma infection
• Details of the immunoassay method used, such as ELISA
• Date of the test
• Results of the test, including whether it was positive, negative, or a semiquantitative value
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 86777, ensure that the immunoassay procedure is performed to evaluate a patient’s serum or cerebrospinal fluid for antibodies other than IgM to toxoplasma. This code should not be reported for antigen detection. It is important to review payer-specific guidelines and consult the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) manual for any additional billing requirements or modifiers that may be necessary.

8. Historical information

CPT 86777 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 with flu-like symptoms undergoes an immunoassay to test for antibodies other than IgM to toxoplasma.
2. A pregnant patient with a history of exposure to cats undergoes an immunoassay to screen for toxoplasma infection.
3. A patient with a weakened immune system undergoes an immunoassay to monitor their response to treatment for toxoplasma infection.
4. A patient with muscle pain and enlarged lymph nodes undergoes an immunoassay to determine if they have been exposed to toxoplasma.
5. A patient with a recent history of consuming undercooked meat undergoes an immunoassay to rule out toxoplasma infection.
6. A patient with a suspected congenital toxoplasmosis undergoes an immunoassay to confirm the presence of antibodies to toxoplasma.
7. A patient with a positive toxoplasma IgM test undergoes an immunoassay to further evaluate their immune response to the infection.
8. A patient with a negative toxoplasma IgM test undergoes an immunoassay to confirm the absence of antibodies to toxoplasma.
9. A patient with a recent travel history to an area with a high prevalence of toxoplasma infection undergoes an immunoassay to screen for exposure.
10. A patient with a suspected reactivation of toxoplasma infection undergoes an immunoassay to assess their immune response.