CPT® Code 86077

Blood bank physician services; difficult cross match and/or evaluation of irregular antibody(s), interpretation and written report

The CPT® Code 86077 refers to the services provided by a blood bank physician, specifically focusing on the complex task of conducting a difficult crossmatch and evaluating irregular antibodies. This procedure is critical in ensuring the safety and compatibility of blood transfusions. The physician meticulously analyzes a batch of donated blood intended for infusion into a patient, assessing various factors that could affect the success of the transfusion. This includes determining the compatibility of the blood type between the donor and the recipient, as well as identifying any unusual antibodies present either in the patient's bloodstream or within the donated blood itself. The findings from this analysis are compiled into a comprehensive written report, which serves as a formal documentation of the physician's evaluation and recommendations. It is important to note that if the physician encounters unusual occurrences after the blood has been infused, such as potential disease transmission, a different code (CPT® 86078) should be utilized. Additionally, if the physician must authorize the use of blood that does not meet standard procedures, such as being past its shelf life or mismatched in blood type, CPT® 86079 would be the appropriate code to use.