How To Use CPT Code 86975

CPT 86975 describes the process of pretreating serum for the identification of antibodies to red blood cells (RBCs) by incubating it with drugs. 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 86975?

CPT 86975 can be used to describe the pretreatment of serum for the identification of antibodies to red blood cells (RBCs) by incubating it with drugs. This code is used when the lab analyst performs the technical steps to prepare the serum for further testing, such as blood transfusion, by mixing it with a specific drug for a set period of time.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 86975 is: ‘Pretreatment of serum for use in RBC antibody identification; incubation with drugs, each.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst selects a specific drug to incubate with the serum for a set period of time.
2. The serum and drug mixture is incubated to prepare it for the identification of antibodies to red blood cells.
3. The lab analyst may use a process such as centrifugation to remove a serum fraction that can interfere with identifying other antibodies of interest.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 86975 is typically ordered by clinicians as part of the process to prepare for a blood transfusion. It is not limited to use for a specific condition, but rather to prepare serum for further testing. The lab analyst performs the technical steps to prepare the serum, and the incubation with drugs is one method used for pretreatment.

5. When to use CPT code 86975

CPT code 86975 should be used when the lab analyst incubates serum with a single drug to prepare it for the identification of antibodies to red blood cells. This code is used for each drug used in the pretreatment process.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 86975, the documentation should include:

• The specific drug used for incubating the serum
• Date and time of the incubation process
• Any additional relevant information about the pretreatment process

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 86975, report one unit for each drug used in the pretreatment process. It is important to distinguish this code from other codes that describe serum preparation for further testing using different methods.

8. Historical information

CPT 86975 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 incubating serum with a drug to prepare it for the identification of antibodies to red blood cells.
2. A lab technician performing the pretreatment process on serum using a specific drug for further testing.
3. A medical technologist preparing serum for blood transfusion by incubating it with a drug.
4. A clinical laboratory scientist pretreating serum with a drug to identify antibodies to red blood cells.
5. A lab specialist performing the incubation process on serum to prepare it for the identification of antibodies.
6. A lab technician using a specific drug to pretreat serum for further testing.
7. A medical laboratory scientist incubating serum with a drug to prepare it for the identification of antibodies to red blood cells.
8. A lab analyst performing the pretreatment process on serum using a specific drug.
9. A clinical laboratory technologist preparing serum for blood transfusion by incubating it with a drug.
10. A lab specialist pretreating serum with a drug to identify antibodies to red blood cells.