2025 CPT code 86077
Effective Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory Procedures - Immunology Feed
Blood bank physician services for a difficult crossmatch and/or evaluation of irregular antibody(s), including interpretation and a written report.
Medical necessity is established when a patient requires a blood transfusion or transplant, and standard crossmatching procedures are insufficient due to the presence of irregular antibodies or other complicating factors. The specialized expertise of a blood bank physician is required to ensure patient safety.
The blood bank physician is responsible for interpreting the complex crossmatch results, considering any irregular antibodies or other factors affecting compatibility. They must analyze the patient's and donor's blood, determine the best course of action, and document their findings in a written report. This ensures the safest possible transfusion or transplant.
In simple words: This code covers the doctor's work in figuring out tricky blood matches when a regular blood test isn't enough. The doctor looks closely at the blood of both the patient and the donor, making sure they're compatible for a safe transfusion or transplant. They then write a report explaining their findings.
This code represents the professional services provided by a blood bank physician when a patient requires a complex crossmatch due to irregular antibodies or other difficulties. The physician interprets the results and provides a written report. The service includes evaluating the patient and donor cells and serum to ensure compatibility for transfusion or transplantation. The physician's expertise is required due to the complexity of finding a suitable match in these difficult cases.
Example 1: A patient with a history of multiple transfusions has developed several antibodies, making it difficult to find compatible donor blood. The blood bank physician analyzes the patient's serum and potential donor units to identify a safe match., A patient requires a transplant, and initial crossmatching reveals antibodies against the donor. The blood bank physician performs further testing and evaluation to determine if a successful transplant is possible. They then prepare a written report for the patient's records., A patient with a rare blood type requires a transfusion. The blood bank physician searches for compatible blood and performs specialized testing to ensure compatibility before the blood is given to the patient. They then generate a written report describing their methodology and findings.
Documentation should include the patient's medical history, including previous transfusions or transplants, any known antibodies, the results of the crossmatch testing, the physician's interpretation, and the final written report.
- Specialties:Transfusion Medicine, Hematology, Pathology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital