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The CPT® Code 86677 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure antibodies against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). H. pylori is a type of bacterium that can be found in contaminated food and water and has the potential to spread from person to person. This organism is known to cause chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa, particularly affecting the stomach and duodenum, which can lead to the development of erosions or ulcers in these areas. The test measures the seroconversion of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, which typically occurs within approximately 60 days following exposure to the bacterium. Elevated levels of both IgA and IgG antibodies, especially when accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms, may indicate an active H. pylori infection. It is important to note that while the antibody test can provide valuable information, it should be confirmed through additional diagnostic methods such as bacterial isolation, H. pylori breath tests, or fecal antigen tests using enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Although testing for IgM antibodies is also possible, the clinical significance of this measurement remains uncertain. The test requires a blood sample, which is obtained through a venipuncture that is reported separately. The serum is then analyzed for IgA and IgG antibodies using a semi-quantitative enzyme immunoassay, while IgM antibodies are assessed using a semi-quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
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The antibody test for Helicobacter pylori (CPT® Code 86677) is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for conducting the H. pylori antibody test involves several key steps:
After the procedure, the patient may experience minimal discomfort at the venipuncture site, which typically resolves quickly. There are no specific post-procedure care instructions required for this test, as it is a routine laboratory procedure. The results of the antibody test will be interpreted by the healthcare provider, who will discuss the findings with the patient and determine if further diagnostic testing or treatment is necessary based on the results. It is important for the patient to follow up with their healthcare provider to understand the implications of the test results and any subsequent steps that may be required.
| Short Descr | HELICOBACTER PYLORI ANTIBODY | Medium Descr | ANTIBODY HELICOBACTER PYLORI | Long Descr | Antibody; Helicobacter pylori | 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 | 3 | 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. | 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 | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | 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. | 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. | 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. | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | 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 | QW | Clia waived test | 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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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Short Descriptor changed. |
| 2001-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 1993-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1993. |
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