2025 CPT code 86593
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory Procedures - Qualitative or Semiquantitative Immunoassays Immunology Procedures Feed
This code represents a quantitative non-treponemal antibody test for syphilis, measuring the level of syphilis-related antibodies in patient specimens (serum or cerebrospinal fluid).
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of service delivery.Consult the current CPT manual and payer-specific guidelines.
Medical necessity for this test is established when a patient presents with symptoms, risk factors, or exposure suggestive of syphilis, especially following a positive qualitative non-treponemal test. The test is crucial for accurate diagnosis, treatment selection, and monitoring of therapeutic response.Payers may have specific criteria for coverage.
The clinical responsibility lies with the laboratory analyst who performs the test and reports the results to the ordering physician. The physician interprets the results within the context of the patient's clinical presentation and other diagnostic information to make a diagnosis and determine treatment.
In simple words: This lab test measures the amount of syphilis antibodies in a blood or spinal fluid sample.It helps doctors diagnose and treat syphilis, often done after an initial positive syphilis test.
CPT code 86593 describes a quantitative laboratory test to determine the level of non-treponemal antibodies associated with syphilis.The test is performed on serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens.The procedure involves mixing an antigen reagent with the patient sample and assessing the reagin levels based on flocculation or aggregation of the antibody-antigen complex.Results are quantified using methods like optical density measurement. This test is frequently ordered as a follow-up to a positive qualitative non-treponemal test (CPT code 86592) to ascertain antibody concentration and aid in syphilis diagnosis and management.
Example 1: A patient presents with symptoms suggestive of syphilis.An initial qualitative non-treponemal test (86592) is positive.Code 86593 is used to quantify the antibody levels to further confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment., A pregnant woman undergoes routine syphilis screening.A positive qualitative test (86592) prompts the use of 86593 to determine the antibody titer, informing management decisions related to maternal and fetal health., A patient with suspected neurosyphilis undergoes a lumbar puncture.CSF is tested using 86593 to assess the extent of central nervous system involvement.
* Patient demographics and relevant clinical history.* Reason for ordering the test (e.g., symptoms, risk factors, contact tracing).* Results of the qualitative non-treponemal test (if applicable).* Specimen type (serum or CSF) and collection date/time.* Complete and accurate laboratory report with quantitative results.
** This test is specifically for non-treponemal antibodies.Treponemal antibody tests (e.g., 86780) are different and should not be confused with this code.Results should always be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical presentation and other relevant diagnostic findings.
- Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER)
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A Technical Component (TC) modifier may apply depending on the payer and the specific circumstances of the laboratory testing; consult payer guidelines for details.
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Pathology, Microbiology, Clinical Chemistry
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (inpatient or outpatient), Laboratory