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Immunoelectrophoresis is a laboratory technique utilized to separate and characterize proteins based on their specific interactions with antibodies. This method is essential in the field of immunology and is particularly focused on the analysis of immunoglobulins, which are proteins that function as antibodies in the immune response. The procedure can be performed using various techniques, including one-dimensional and two-dimensional methods, each designed to enhance the resolution and identification of different protein components. The serum test, identified by CPT® Code 86320, is primarily employed to evaluate the levels of abnormal immunoglobulins, which may indicate the presence of certain hematological malignancies or disorders. Conditions such as multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, amyloidosis, and lymphoma are often assessed through this test. Although immunoelectrophoresis has been a valuable diagnostic tool, it has largely been supplanted by immunofixation, a more advanced method that provides greater specificity in identifying abnormal proteins. It is important to note that for immunoelectrophoresis performed on other body fluids, such as cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, and urine, the appropriate code to report is CPT® Code 86325.
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Immunoelectrophoresis is indicated for the evaluation of various conditions associated with abnormal levels of immunoglobulins. The following are specific indications for performing this procedure:
The immunoelectrophoresis procedure involves several key steps to ensure accurate separation and characterization of proteins in serum. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the immunoelectrophoresis procedure, the patient may not require any specific post-procedure care, as it is a minimally invasive test. However, it is essential to monitor the patient for any immediate reactions to the blood draw. The results of the test will typically be reviewed by a healthcare professional, who will interpret the findings in the context of the patient's clinical history and symptoms. Follow-up testing or additional diagnostic procedures may be recommended based on the results of the immunoelectrophoresis.
| Short Descr | SERUM IMMUNOELECTROPHORESIS | Medium Descr | IMMUNOELECTROPHORESIS SERUM | Long Descr | Immunoelectrophoresis; serum | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 6 - Laboratory Physician Interpretation Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | 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 |
| 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. | 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 | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | 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. | 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. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | Q0 | Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | XE | Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter | XP | Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner |
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