2025 CPT code 86320
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Laboratory - Immunology Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Feed
Immunoelectrophoresis of serum to identify immunoglobulin types and amounts.
Modifiers may be applied as clinically indicated, such as modifier 90 for tests performed by an outside laboratory.
The medical necessity for immunoelectrophoresis is determined based on the patient's clinical presentation and the physician's assessment.The test is often medically necessary for the diagnosis and monitoring of certain conditions, like multiple myeloma, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory bowel disease where specific immunoglobulin levels are crucial for diagnosis and treatment management.
A laboratory analyst performs the technical aspects of the test, including electrophoresis, antisera application, and interpretation of the resulting precipitin lines. A physician orders the test and interprets its clinical significance within the context of the patient's overall medical presentation.
In simple words: This blood test checks the levels of different types of antibodies in your blood. Antibodies help fight off infection, and this test can help doctors diagnose conditions like cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Immunoelectrophoresis (IEP) is a laboratory test used to analyze serum for the presence and quantity of various immunoglobulins (antibodies).The procedure involves separating proteins in a serum sample by electrophoresis, followed by the diffusion of antisera to create precipitin lines that indicate the different immunoglobulin types (IgM, IgG, IgA, IgE, IgD). Results provide information on the relative amounts of each immunoglobulin class, which can assist in diagnosing conditions such as multiple myeloma, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Example 1: A patient presents with symptoms suggestive of multiple myeloma.Immunoelectrophoresis is ordered to assess the serum levels of monoclonal immunoglobulins, a key diagnostic indicator for this cancer., A patient with suspected autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, undergoes immunoelectrophoresis to evaluate the presence of autoantibodies, which can be elevated in these conditions. The results help to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment decisions., A patient with chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) requires monitoring of immunoglobulin levels. Serial immunoelectrophoresis tests can track disease activity and response to therapy over time.
Physician's order specifying the test, patient demographics, relevant clinical history, and any previous relevant test results. The laboratory report should clearly indicate the date of the test, the type of sample (serum), the immunoglobulin levels detected (IgG, IgM, IgA, IgE, IgD), and an interpretation of the results.
** Specimen collection (e.g., venipuncture) may be billed separately using appropriate CPT codes. Immunoelectrophoresis can also be performed on other body fluids, such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or urine; however, the codes for these analyses might differ.
- Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE))
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: The technical component (TC) is typically billed separately from the professional component (PC).
- Specialties:Hematology, Oncology, Immunology, Rheumatology, Gastroenterology
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital, Laboratory