Need help choosing the right code?
Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.
Try CasePilot© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) are specific proteins produced by the immune system that target antigens located in the cytoplasmic granules of certain white blood cells, particularly neutrophils and monocytes. The presence of these antibodies is significant in the diagnosis and management of various autoimmune conditions, particularly autoimmune vasculitis. There are two primary types of ANCAs: perinuclear stained antineutrophil antibodies (pANCA), which primarily target the enzyme myeloperoxidase, and cytoplasmic stained antineutrophil antibodies (c-ANCA), which target proteinase 3. The testing for ANCAs is crucial in identifying conditions such as Wegener’s granulomatosis, polyarteritis nodosa, and microscopic polyangiitis, all of which are characterized by inflammation and damage to blood vessels. The ANCA test is performed on a venous blood sample, where serum is analyzed using an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test to detect the specific antibodies ordered. It is important to differentiate between the screening test, reported with CPT® code 86036, which provides qualitative results indicating the presence or absence of antibodies, and the titer test, reported with CPT® code 86037, which provides semi-quantitative results for each antibody, allowing for a more detailed assessment of the immune response.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) testing is indicated for the evaluation of suspected autoimmune vasculitis conditions. The following are specific indications for performing this test:
The procedure for testing antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) involves several key steps to ensure accurate results:
After the ANCA testing procedure, there are no specific post-procedure care requirements for the patient. However, it is essential for healthcare providers to interpret the results in conjunction with clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Patients may need to follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss the results and any further diagnostic or therapeutic steps that may be necessary based on the findings of the ANCA test.
| Short Descr | ANCA TITER EACH ANTIBODY | Medium Descr | ANTINEUTROPHIL CYTOPLASMIC ANTB TITER EA ANTB | Long Descr | Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA); titer, each antibody | 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 | 3 |
| 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. | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 2022-01-01 | Added | Code added |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.