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The actin smooth muscle antibody (ASMA) test, identified by CPT® Code 86015, is a laboratory test that plays a crucial role in the evaluation of various liver conditions. This test is particularly significant in assessing whether liver inflammation is of autoimmune origin. Autoantibodies, such as ASMAs, target specific structural proteins found in smooth muscle, with a notable impact on liver tissues. The presence of these antibodies in the bloodstream, especially at a titer greater than 1:40, suggests a high probability of autoimmune hepatitis or liver damage stemming from autoimmune processes. However, it is important to note that ASMAs can also be associated with other medical conditions, including infectious mononucleosis, melanoma, and certain cancers like breast or ovarian cancer. In cases where ASMAs are not detected, it indicates that the liver symptoms may be attributed to non-autoimmune causes. The ASMA test is performed on a venous blood sample, which is analyzed using immunoassay techniques, commonly the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This code is applicable for each actin smooth muscle antibody tested and is not specific to any particular testing method. Additionally, the ASMA test can assist in differentiating between autoimmune hepatitis and systemic lupus erythematosus. It is often conducted alongside other tests, such as antinuclear antibody tests, to provide a comprehensive evaluation for diagnosing autoimmune hepatitis.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The actin smooth muscle antibody (ASMA) test is indicated for the evaluation of various liver conditions. The following conditions and symptoms may warrant the use of this test:
The procedure for conducting the actin smooth muscle antibody (ASMA) test involves several key steps, which are outlined below:
After the ASMA test is completed, the patient may be advised to follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss the results. If ASMAs are detected, further diagnostic testing may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis or to rule out other conditions. In cases where ASMAs are not found, the healthcare provider may explore other potential causes for the patient's liver symptoms. It is essential for patients to understand that the ASMA test is often part of a broader diagnostic workup, and additional tests, such as antinuclear antibody tests, may be performed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of liver health.
| Short Descr | ACTIN ANTIBODY EACH | Medium Descr | ACTIN SMOOTH MUSCLE ANTIBODY EACH | Long Descr | Actin (smooth muscle) antibody (ASMA), each | Status Code | Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 9 - Not Applicable | Multiple Procedures (51) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Co-Surgeons (62) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Team Surgery (66) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | CLIA Waived (QW) | No | APC Status Indicator | Conditionally packaged laboratory tests | Type of Service (TOS) | 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | 2 |
| 90 | Reference (outside) laboratory: when laboratory procedures are performed by a party other than the treating or reporting physician or other qualified health care professional, the procedure may be identified by adding modifier 90 to the usual procedure number. | 91 | Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient. | 26 | Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number. | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 76 | Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | GY | Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | PD | Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days | Q4 | Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| 2022-01-01 | Added | Code added |
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