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Official Description

Insulin antibodies

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 86337 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure insulin antibody levels in the blood. This test is crucial for assessing the presence of various types of insulin antibodies, which can include human serum autoantibodies that target the body's own insulin, as well as antibodies that may react to exogenous insulin. Exogenous insulin can be derived from different sources, including animal insulin (such as pork or beef), recombinant DNA technology, or insulin analogues. The measurement of these antibodies is particularly significant in the context of diabetes management. It can help identify individuals who are at risk of developing type 1 diabetes mellitus, a condition characterized by the autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Furthermore, this test plays a vital role in differentiating between latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) and other forms of diabetes, such as type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes. Additionally, monitoring insulin antibody levels can provide insights into the clinical progression of type 1 diabetes mellitus, aiding healthcare providers in making informed decisions regarding patient care. The test is performed by obtaining a blood sample through a procedure known as venipuncture, which is separately reportable, and the serum is then analyzed using a quantitative radioimmunoassay method.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The insulin antibodies test (CPT® Code 86337) is indicated for several specific clinical scenarios, including:

  • Risk Assessment for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus This test is utilized to identify individuals who may be at risk of developing type 1 diabetes mellitus, allowing for early intervention and monitoring.
  • Differentiation of Diabetes Types The test helps differentiate between latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) and type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes, which is essential for determining the appropriate management and treatment strategies.
  • Monitoring Clinical Progression It is also used to monitor the clinical progression of type 1 diabetes mellitus, providing valuable information on the patient's condition and response to treatment.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting the insulin antibodies test involves several key steps, which are outlined as follows:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation Prior to the test, the patient may be instructed to follow specific guidelines, such as fasting or avoiding certain medications, although these instructions are not explicitly detailed in the provided data.
  • Step 2: Venipuncture A blood sample is obtained through a procedure known as venipuncture. This involves the insertion of a needle into a vein, typically in the arm, to collect the necessary blood sample for analysis. This step is crucial as it ensures that an adequate volume of blood is collected for testing.
  • Step 3: Serum Separation After the blood sample is collected, it is processed to separate the serum from the cellular components. This is typically done by allowing the blood to clot and then centrifuging it to obtain the serum, which is the liquid portion of the blood that contains the antibodies.
  • Step 4: Quantitative Radioimmunoassay The serum is then tested using a quantitative radioimmunoassay method. This laboratory technique measures the concentration of insulin antibodies in the serum, providing quantitative results that can be interpreted by healthcare professionals.

3. Post-Procedure

After the insulin antibodies test is completed, there are generally no specific post-procedure care requirements mentioned in the provided data. However, patients may be advised to resume normal activities immediately following the venipuncture. It is important for healthcare providers to communicate the results of the test to the patient and discuss any necessary follow-up actions based on the findings. Monitoring and further evaluation may be warranted depending on the levels of insulin antibodies detected and the clinical context of the patient's health status.

Short Descr INSULIN ANTIBODIES
Medium Descr INSULIN ANTIBODIES
Long Descr Insulin 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.
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.
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
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
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
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Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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