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The CPT® Code 86021 refers to the procedure of antibody identification specifically targeting leukocyte antibodies. Leukocytes, commonly known as white blood cells, play a crucial role in the immune system by attacking pathogens such as bacteria and aiding the body in fighting infections. Within the leukocyte category, there are several types, including lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, and mast cells, each with distinct functions in immune response. The presence of leukocyte antibodies, which are immunoglobulin molecules that target and destroy these white blood cells, can lead to various medical conditions. This test is essential for identifying specific leukocyte antibodies that may contribute to autoimmune disorders, miscarriages, and the rejection of transplanted tissues and organs. The procedure may also be referred to as anti-leukocyte antibody identification, and it can be specified further by the type of white blood cell or antibody being examined, such as lymphocyte antibody identification, anti-neutrophil antibody detection, or OKT3 antibody detection. Typically, this test is conducted using flow cytometry, a technology that allows for the analysis of the physical and chemical characteristics of cells or particles. Understanding the presence and type of leukocyte antibodies is vital for diagnosing and managing conditions that affect the immune system and overall health.
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The antibody identification test for leukocyte antibodies (CPT® Code 86021) is performed under specific clinical circumstances. The following conditions and indications warrant the use of this test:
The procedure for antibody identification of leukocyte antibodies involves several key steps that ensure accurate results. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the antibody identification test is completed, the patient may not require any specific post-procedure care, as the test is minimally invasive. However, it is essential for healthcare providers to communicate the results to the patient and discuss any necessary follow-up actions based on the findings. If leukocyte antibodies are identified, further evaluation and management may be warranted, particularly in the context of autoimmune disorders, pregnancy, or transplant situations. Continuous monitoring and additional testing may be recommended to ensure appropriate care and treatment.
| Short Descr | WBC ANTIBODY IDENTIFICATION | Medium Descr | ANTIBODY IDENTIFICATION LEUKOCYTE ANTIBODIES | Long Descr | Antibody identification; leukocyte antibodies | 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) | T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule) | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 235 - Other Laboratory |
| 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. | 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. | 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. | 77 | Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | CC | Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed) | 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 | X5 | Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician | 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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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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