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The CPT® Code 86666 refers to the laboratory test for antibodies to Ehrlichia, which are a group of bacteria that can lead to various diseases in both humans and animals. These bacteria are primarily transmitted through the bite of infected ticks, making tick exposure a significant risk factor for infection. There are four known species of Ehrlichia that can cause illness in humans, which are transmitted by different types of ticks. The lone star tick, scientifically known as Amblyomma americanum, and the blacklegged ticks, including Ixodes scapularis found in the Northeastern United States, Ixodes pacificus in the Western United States, and Ixodes ricinus in Europe, are the primary vectors for these infections. When a person is infected with Ehrlichia, they may experience a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches, which can vary in severity. The testing for Ehrlichia antibodies typically employs an indirect hemagglutination (IHA) methodology, which is a common laboratory technique used to detect the presence of specific antibodies in the blood. The test can differentiate between two types of immunoglobulins: IgG and IgM. IgG testing is utilized to determine if there has been a current or past infection, while IgM testing is specifically aimed at identifying a current infection with a particular Ehrlichia species. It is important to note that if both IgG and IgM tests are conducted, each test must be reported separately to ensure accurate documentation and coding for laboratory services.
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The antibody test for Ehrlichia (CPT® Code 86666) is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for testing antibodies to Ehrlichia involves several key steps:
After the antibody testing for Ehrlichia is completed, patients may not require any specific post-procedure care. However, it is essential for healthcare providers to discuss the results with the patient, especially if antibodies are detected. If the test indicates a current infection, appropriate treatment options should be considered based on clinical guidelines. Patients should also be advised to monitor for any worsening symptoms and to follow up with their healthcare provider for further evaluation and management of their condition.
| Short Descr | EHRLICHIA ANTIBODY | Medium Descr | ANTIBODY EHRLICHIA | Long Descr | Antibody; Ehrlichia | 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 | 4 | 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. | 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. | Q4 | Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption | 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | 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 | 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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| 2001-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2001. |
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