2025 CPT code 86382
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory Procedures - Qualitative or Semiquantitative Immunoassays Immunology Procedures Feed
Viral neutralization test to determine the level of viral antibodies in a patient's blood.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances (e.g., modifier 90 for testing performed by an outside laboratory, or modifier 91 for repeat testing).Consult the CPT codebook and payer guidelines for clarification.
Medical necessity is established by the ordering physician based on the patient's clinical presentation, history, and potential exposure to a specific virus.This would typically involve a comprehensive medical assessment and a clear indication that this test is essential for diagnosis, treatment, or monitoring.
The clinical responsibility lies with the laboratory personnel who perform the test.The ordering physician is responsible for medical decision-making based on the results.
In simple words: This lab test measures the amount of antibodies against a virus in your blood.The test helps doctors understand how well your body is fighting off a virus, and it may be used to monitor your response to treatment or a vaccine.
This CPT code represents a viral neutralization test used to quantitatively or semi-quantitatively measure the concentration of viral antibodies within a patient's serum.The procedure involves several steps: separating serum from a blood sample, preparing serum dilutions, adding a virus-specific reagent (e.g., live rabies virus or human beta interferon) to neutralize the antibodies, and then employing methods like titration or tissue culture to estimate the antibody level.Results provide an indication of the patient's immune response to a specific virus, potentially aiding in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment or vaccination against viral infections like rabies or multiple sclerosis, among others.
Example 1: A patient presents following a rabies exposure. A viral neutralization test (86382) is ordered to determine the level of rabies antibodies in their serum, aiding in assessing the efficacy of post-exposure prophylaxis., A patient with a history of multiple sclerosis undergoes a viral neutralization test to measure antibodies against a specific virus suspected to be contributing to their condition. The results help guide treatment decisions., Following a viral infection, a patient receives a viral neutralization test to assess their immune response and monitor their recovery. The results help determine if additional treatment or monitoring is necessary.
** It is crucial to confirm the specific virus being tested for with the ordering physician and to ensure that the appropriate test reagent is used.The test's interpretation should be considered in the context of the patient's clinical presentation and other diagnostic findings.Ensure proper documentation to support medical necessity for reimbursement.
- Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE))
- RVU: Refer to the current year's Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for RVU values.These values vary based on geographic location and other factors.
- Global Days: Not applicable; this is a laboratory test, not a surgical procedure.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable; this is a laboratory test, not a procedure with technical and professional components.
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedule data can be obtained from the AMA's CPT website or via various medical billing resources. These will vary based on year and payer.
- Specialties:Infectious disease, immunology, virology, neurology (in the case of rabies), and other specialties dealing with viral infections.
- Place of Service:Office, hospital laboratory, reference laboratory, other clinical laboratory settings.