2025 CPT code 86803
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory Procedures - Immunology Procedures Feed
Hepatitis C antibody
Modifiers like 90 (reference lab), 91 (repeat test), or 99 (multiple modifiers) may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the testing.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of signs, symptoms, or risk factors suggestive of HCV infection, abnormal liver function tests, or as part of routine screening for at-risk individuals.
Laboratory professionals perform the test using immunoassay methods like EIA, analyzing the patient's blood sample for HCV antibodies.
In simple words: This blood test checks for signs of a past or current infection with the hepatitis C virus.It's used to help diagnose hepatitis C, a virus that can cause liver problems.
This code represents a laboratory test to detect antibodies to the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a patient's serum. It's an immunoassay that helps identify past or current HCV exposure, aiding in the diagnosis of hepatitis C infection.
Example 1: A patient with jaundice, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss undergoes this test to check for HCV infection., A patient with risk factors for HCV, such as past blood transfusions or IV drug use, is screened using this antibody test., A patient with abnormal liver enzyme levels receives this test to determine if HCV is the underlying cause.
Proper documentation should include the reason for testing, patient's signs and symptoms, relevant medical history (including risk factors), and the date and time of sample collection.
** Reflex testing to HCV RNA (e.g., using CPT code 87522) is often performed if the antibody test is positive to confirm active infection. This helps differentiate between past exposure and current infection, guiding treatment decisions.
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Hepatology, Gastroenterology, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine
- Place of Service:Independent Laboratory, Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital