How To Use CPT Code 86923

CPT 86923 describes the compatibility test for each unit of potential donor blood with patient serum using electronic records. 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 86923?

CPT 86923 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 involves comparing electronic records of patient and donor type and screen using the Lab Information System (LIS). It is important to note that this evaluation does not involve physically mixing and checking reactions between donor and patient blood.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 86923 is: ‘Compatibility test each unit; electronic. Do not use 86923 in conjunction with 86920 – 86922 for the same unit crossmatch.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst uses the Lab Information System (LIS) to verify the compatibility of ABO, Rh, and other factors between the potential donor blood unit and the patient.
2. The lab analyst also checks patient demographic data to ensure compatibility between the donor transfusion blood unit and the intended recipient.
3. This evaluation does not involve physically mixing and checking reactions between donor and patient blood.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 86923 is used when there is a need to ensure compatibility between patient blood and potential donor blood before proceeding with a transfusion. It is typically ordered as the final step after separate testing to determine the patient and potential donor blood type in the ABO and Rh blood type systems, as well as RBC antibody screening. The electronic crossmatch method is acceptable when there is documented patient and donor blood group compatibility and no significant antibodies present in the patient’s antibody screen.

5. When to use CPT code 86923

CPT code 86923 should be used when performing the compatibility test for each unit of potential donor blood using electronic records. It should not be reported in addition to any other crossmatch methods in the range of 86920-86922 for the same blood unit.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 86923, the documentation should include:

• Verification of ABO, Rh, and other compatibilities between the potential donor blood unit and the patient
• Patient demographic data to ensure compatibility
• Documentation of the electronic crossmatch method used

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 86923, ensure that the compatibility test is performed using electronic records. Do not report CPT 86923 in conjunction with CPT codes 86920-86922 for the same blood unit. It is important to report one unit of CPT 86923 for each potential donor unit tested, regardless of whether the unit is transfused to the patient or not.

8. Historical information

CPT 86923 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2006. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs the compatibility test for each unit of potential donor blood using electronic records to ensure compatibility before a transfusion.
2. The compatibility test is performed for each unit of potential donor blood using electronic records, and the patient’s demographic data is checked to ensure compatibility.
3. Electronic records are used to verify the compatibility of ABO, Rh, and other factors between the potential donor blood unit and the patient before a transfusion.
4. The lab analyst performs the compatibility test for each unit of potential donor blood using electronic records, following separate testing to determine the patient and potential donor blood type.
5. Using electronic records, the lab analyst checks the compatibility between the potential donor blood unit and the patient before proceeding with a transfusion.
6. The compatibility test is performed for each unit of potential donor blood using electronic records, ensuring compatibility between the donor transfusion blood unit and the intended recipient.
7. Electronic records are used to verify the compatibility of ABO, Rh, and other factors between the potential donor blood unit and the patient, following RBC antibody screening.
8. The lab analyst performs the compatibility test for each unit of potential donor blood using electronic records, ensuring compatibility between patient blood and potential donor blood before a transfusion.
9. Using electronic records, the lab analyst checks the compatibility of ABO, Rh, and other factors between the potential donor blood unit and the patient, following separate testing to determine the patient and potential donor blood type.
10. The compatibility test is performed for each unit of potential donor blood using electronic records, ensuring compatibility between patient blood and potential donor blood before proceeding with a transfusion.