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The CPT® Code 86359 refers to a laboratory test that measures the total count of T cells in a blood sample. T cells are a specific type of lymphocyte, which are white blood cells that play a crucial role in the immune system, particularly in cell-mediated immunity. This test is essential for evaluating the immune function of an individual and is often ordered alongside other diagnostic tests to provide a comprehensive assessment of a patient's immune status. The measurement of T cells can reveal important information about various health conditions. For instance, elevated levels of T cells may indicate the presence of certain diseases such as infectious mononucleosis, acute lymphocytic leukemia, or multiple myeloma. Conversely, decreased T cell counts can be indicative of conditions such as congenital T-cell deficiency, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The testing process involves the use of quantitative flow cytometry, a sophisticated laboratory technique that allows for the precise counting and analysis of T cells in whole blood samples.
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The total T-cell count test (CPT® Code 86359) is indicated for various clinical scenarios where assessment of immune function is necessary. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this test:
The procedure for obtaining a total T-cell count involves several key steps to ensure accurate results. First, a healthcare professional will collect a sample of whole blood from the patient, typically through venipuncture. This involves inserting a needle into a vein, usually in the arm, to draw the necessary blood volume. Once the blood sample is obtained, it is transported to a laboratory where it will undergo analysis. The laboratory utilizes quantitative flow cytometry, a specialized technique that allows for the precise measurement of T cells within the blood sample. This method involves labeling the T cells with specific antibodies that bind to surface markers unique to T cells. As the sample passes through a laser in the flow cytometer, the cells are counted and analyzed based on their fluorescence, providing an accurate total count of T cells present in the sample. The results are then compiled and reported back to the healthcare provider for interpretation and further clinical decision-making.
After the total T-cell count test is performed, there are generally no specific post-procedure care requirements for the patient. However, it is advisable for patients to remain hydrated and to follow any additional instructions provided by their healthcare provider. The results of the test will typically be reviewed in conjunction with other laboratory findings and clinical evaluations to assess the patient's immune function. Depending on the results, further testing or monitoring may be recommended to address any underlying health concerns. Patients should be informed that any significant findings will be discussed with them during a follow-up appointment, where appropriate management strategies can be determined.
| Short Descr | T CELLS TOTAL COUNT | Medium Descr | T CELLS TOTAL COUNT | Long Descr | T cells; total count | 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. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | 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. | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | Q4 | Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption | 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. | 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 | QJ | Services/items provided to a prisoner or patient in state or local custody, however the state or local government, as applicable, meets the requirements in 42 cfr 411.4 (b) | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | 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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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 1994-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1994. |
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