2025 CPT code 86000
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory Procedures - Agglutination Tests Immunology Procedures Feed
This code reports the analysis of a blood specimen for febrile agglutinins (e.g., Brucella, Francisella, various typhus, Q fever).Each antigen tested is reported separately.
Modifiers may apply based on the laboratory's setting and billing practices.Consult current CPT guidelines and payer-specific rules for modifier application.
Medical necessity for this test is established when a patient presents with clinical symptoms suggestive of a febrile illness caused by the target antigens. The test assists in differential diagnosis by identifying the specific infectious agent.
The clinical responsibility lies with the laboratory analyst who performs the technical aspects of the test, including sample preparation, reagent mixing, incubation, observation of agglutination, and titer determination.
In simple words: This lab test checks a blood sample for antibodies that clump together when warmed. It helps diagnose infections like brucellosis, typhus, and Q fever. The test is done for each possible infection separately.
This CPT code, 86000, represents the laboratory analysis of a blood sample to detect febrile agglutinins.Febrile agglutinins are antibodies that react at normal body temperature, causing agglutination (clumping) of red blood cells. The test involves mixing the patient's blood sample with reagents specific to various antigens, including but not limited to Brucella, Francisella, Murine typhus, Q fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and scrub typhus.The mixture is warmed, and agglutination is observed.Positive results are reported as a titer (ratio of dilution showing agglutination). The code is reported separately for each antigen tested.
Example 1: A patient presents with a prolonged fever of unknown origin. The physician orders a febrile agglutinin test to screen for various infectious causes, including Brucella and Q fever., A patient with a history of tick exposure develops symptoms suggestive of Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The physician orders a febrile agglutinin test specifically targeting Rickettsia rickettsii., A patient returning from travel to an area endemic for typhus presents with fever and rash.A febrile agglutinin test is ordered to screen for different types of typhus.
* Patient's clinical history and symptoms.* Complete details of the test performed, including specific antigens tested.* Results of the test, including titers for each antigen.* Physician's order for the test.
** This code is used for the identification of antibodies against a variety of infectious agents.Proper specimen collection and handling are crucial for accurate results.The specific antigens tested must be clearly documented.
- Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE))
- RVU: Information not available in provided data.Consult a current Relative Value Unit (RVU) database for updated values.
- Global Days: Not applicable to laboratory tests.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable to this code.
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedule data is not available in the provided sources. Consult a reliable fee schedule database for historical information.
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine, Microbiology, Pathology
- Place of Service:Laboratory