How To Use CPT Code 86922

CPT 86922 describes the compatibility test between a potential donor blood unit and patient serum using an antiglobulin technique. 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 86922?

CPT 86922 can be used to describe the compatibility test performed by a lab analyst to check the compatibility of a potential donor blood unit with patient serum. This test, also known as a crossmatch, involves using an antiglobulin technique to evaluate the reaction between patient serum and red blood cells from the potential donor blood unit.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 86922 is: ‘Compatibility test each unit; antiglobulin technique.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs a compatibility test between patient serum and red blood cells from a potential donor blood unit.
2. This test involves mixing the red blood cells from the potential donor blood unit with known antiglobulin or antibodies and observing the mixture for a possible agglutination reaction.
3. If agglutination occurs, it indicates that the potential donor cells contain an antigen to which the patient has formed antibodies, and the donor blood unit should not be transfused to the patient.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 86922 is typically ordered by clinicians as the final step to ensure compatibility between patient blood and potential donor blood before proceeding with a transfusion. It is performed when the patient and potential donor blood match for ABO and Rh blood types, and the patient has significant antibodies or had significant antibodies in the past. The test is necessary to prevent adverse reactions caused by incompatible blood transfusions.

5. When to use CPT code 86922

CPT code 86922 should be used when performing a compatibility test between a potential donor blood unit and patient serum using the antiglobulin technique. It is appropriate to bill this code for each unit of potential donor blood tested, regardless of whether the unit is transfused to the patient or not.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 86922, the documentation should include:

• Reason for performing the compatibility test
• Details of the antiglobulin technique used
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the test, including any agglutination reactions
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 86922, ensure that the compatibility test is performed using the antiglobulin technique. It is important to report one unit of 86922 for each potential donor unit tested, regardless of whether the unit is transfused to the patient or not. Consider reporting additional codes for specimen collection if required by the payer.

8. Historical information

CPT 86922 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 a compatibility test between patient serum and a potential donor blood unit to ensure a safe blood transfusion.
2. The antiglobulin technique is used to evaluate the reaction between patient serum and red blood cells from the potential donor blood unit.
3. If agglutination occurs during the test, it indicates incompatibility between the patient and potential donor blood, and the unit should not be transfused.
4. CPT code 86922 is reported for each unit of potential donor blood tested, regardless of whether it is transfused or not.
5. The lab analyst documents the details of the test, including the date, time, and results, to support the claim for CPT 86922.
6. It is important to follow the billing guidelines and report additional codes for specimen collection if required by the payer.
7. CPT 86922 has been in use since January 1, 1993, and there have been no updates to the code since then.
8. Similar codes to CPT 86922 include 86920, 86921, 86923, 86924, and 86925, each describing different techniques for compatibility testing.
9. These codes allow for accurate reporting and reimbursement for the various methods used in compatibility testing.
10. Overall, CPT code 86922 plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and compatibility of blood transfusions between patients and potential donor blood units.