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The CPT® Code 86644 refers to the laboratory test for antibodies to cytomegalovirus (CMV), which is a member of the herpes virus family. This test is performed on a blood sample to detect the presence of antibodies, specifically total antibodies (IgG and IgM) or IgG antibodies alone. CMV is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected body fluids, such as saliva, urine, breast milk, and through sexual contact. In healthy adults, CMV infection may present with symptoms similar to those of mononucleosis, including fatigue, fever, and sore throat. However, the implications of CMV infection can be more severe for certain populations. For instance, if a mother contracts CMV during pregnancy, there is a risk of birth defects in the newborn, which can lead to long-term health issues. Additionally, individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those living with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or patients undergoing treatment for malignancies, are at a heightened risk for serious complications associated with CMV. These complications can include chorioretinitis, gastrointestinal disorders, pneumonitis, and central nervous system diseases. The testing method for CPT® Code 86644 involves solid phase agglutination or chemiluminescent immunoassay techniques to identify the total CMV antibodies, which are crucial for determining whether an individual has had a past or current infection. The presence of IgG antibodies typically indicates a past infection, although they may also be present during an active infection.
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The CPT® Code 86644 is indicated for the following conditions and situations:
The procedure for CPT® Code 86644 involves several key steps to ensure accurate testing for CMV antibodies:
After the procedure associated with CPT® Code 86644, the patient may not require any specific post-procedure care, as the blood draw is a routine procedure. However, it is essential for healthcare providers to communicate the results of the antibody test to the patient. If the test indicates the presence of IgM antibodies, further evaluation may be necessary to assess the implications of a current or recent CMV infection, especially in pregnant women or immunocompromised individuals. Follow-up consultations may be scheduled to discuss the results and any necessary next steps based on the findings.
| Short Descr | CMV ANTIBODY | Medium Descr | ANTIBODY CYTOMEGALOVIRUS CMV | Long Descr | Antibody; cytomegalovirus (CMV) | 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 | 2 | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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 | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | 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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| 1993-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1993. |
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