How To Use CPT Code 86849

CPT 86849 describes an unlisted immunology procedure that is used when there is no specific code available to accurately report the procedure. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 86849?

CPT 86849 is an unlisted immunology procedure code that is used when there is no specific code available to accurately report the procedure being performed. It is important to note that this code should only be used when there is no other appropriate code that describes the service provided.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 86849 is not available. However, it is important to remember that this code should only be used when there is no other specific code that accurately describes the procedure being performed.

3. Procedure

1. The analyst performs a chemistry procedure that is not represented by any of the standard and active CPT codes available.
2. The procedure being performed is not approximated by any existing codes, so CPT code 86849 is chosen to accurately report the service.
3. A cover letter is submitted along with the claim, explaining the reason for choosing the unlisted code and providing relevant documentation to support the claim.
4. The payer will review the claim on a case-by-case basis and determine payment based on the documentation provided.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 86849 can be used in situations where there is no specific code available to accurately report the immunology procedure being performed. It is important to ensure that there is no other appropriate code that describes the service before using the unlisted code. The procedure must be necessary and performed by a qualified healthcare professional.

5. When to use CPT code 86849

CPT code 86849 should be used when there is no other specific code available to accurately report the immunology procedure being performed. It is important to thoroughly review the available codes and guidelines to ensure that there is no other appropriate code that describes the service before using the unlisted code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 86849, it is important to provide a cover letter explaining the reason for choosing the unlisted code instead of a defined, active code. The cover letter should include one or more similar codes and compare the service to those codes to justify the claim amount being billed. Relevant documentation should also be included to strengthen the claim and avoid a possible denial.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 86849, it is important to ensure that there is no other specific code available to accurately report the procedure being performed. The unlisted code should only be used when there is no other appropriate code available. A cover letter should be submitted along with the claim, explaining the reason for choosing the unlisted code and providing relevant documentation to support the claim. The payer will review the claim on a case-by-case basis and determine payment based on the documentation provided.

8. Historical information

CPT 86849 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 laboratory technician performs an immunology procedure that does not have a specific code available to accurately report the service.
2. A physician performs an advanced immunology procedure that is not represented by any of the standard and active CPT codes.
3. An immunologist performs a specialized immunology procedure that is not approximated by any existing codes.
4. A healthcare professional performs an immunology procedure that is necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of a patient, but there is no specific code available to accurately report the service.
5. A laboratory scientist performs an immunology procedure that is not covered by any existing codes, so CPT code 86849 is chosen to report the service.
6. A medical technologist performs an immunology procedure that is not accurately described by any other specific code.
7. An immunology specialist performs a unique procedure that is not represented by any of the available CPT codes.
8. A healthcare provider performs an immunology procedure that is necessary for the diagnosis and management of a patient’s condition, but there is no specific code available to accurately report the service.
9. A laboratory technician performs an advanced immunology procedure that is not covered by any of the existing CPT codes.
10. An immunology specialist performs a complex procedure that is not accurately described by any other specific code.