CPT® Code 86707

Official Description

Hepatitis Be antibody (HBeAb)

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 86707 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure the presence of Hepatitis Be-antibodies (HBeAb) in the blood. HBeAb is an antibody that the body produces in response to the Hepatitis Be-antigen, which is associated with the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). This antibody can remain elevated for several years after an individual has recovered from an acute HBV infection, indicating a potential long-term immune response. The measurement of HBeAb levels is crucial for several clinical purposes, including assessing the infectivity of individuals who are carriers of HBV, monitoring the infection status of patients with chronic HBV infections, and evaluating the immune response in patients undergoing antiviral therapy for chronic HBV. In clinical practice, the presence of HBeAb, particularly in conjunction with negative HBV DNA levels in the serum, suggests that the individual may have a state of viral inactivity and low infectivity, which is important for determining the risk of transmission to others. Conversely, the presence of HBV DNA in the serum indicates active viral replication, which correlates with a higher risk of infectivity. The test is performed by obtaining a blood sample through venipuncture, and the serum is analyzed using a qualitative enzyme immunoassay, a method that allows for the detection of specific antibodies in the blood. This test plays a vital role in the management and treatment of patients with HBV, guiding clinical decisions and monitoring disease progression.

1. Indications

The Hepatitis Be antibody (HBeAb) test, represented by CPT® Code 86707, is indicated for the following clinical scenarios:

Monitoring Chronic HBV Infection This test is utilized to assess the infection status of patients diagnosed with chronic Hepatitis B virus infection, providing insights into the progression of the disease.
Determining Infectivity The measurement of HBeAb levels aids in determining the infectivity of HBV carriers, which is crucial for understanding the risk of transmission to others.
Evaluating Immune Response The test is also performed to monitor the immune response in patients with chronic HBV infection who are receiving antiviral therapy, helping to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting the Hepatitis Be antibody test involves several key steps:

Step 1: Patient Preparation Prior to the test, the patient may be instructed to avoid certain medications or supplements that could interfere with the test results. However, specific preparation guidelines should be followed as per the healthcare provider's recommendations.
Step 2: Venipuncture A qualified healthcare professional performs a venipuncture to obtain a blood sample from the patient. This involves using a sterile needle to access a vein, typically in the arm, and collecting the blood into a designated collection tube.
Step 3: Serum Separation After blood collection, the sample is processed to separate the serum from the cellular components. This is typically done by centrifugation, which allows the serum to be isolated for testing.
Step 4: Testing The serum is then subjected to a qualitative enzyme immunoassay, a laboratory technique that detects the presence of HBeAb. This method involves adding specific reagents that react with the antibodies, producing measurable results that indicate the presence or absence of HBeAb in the serum.

3. Post-Procedure

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, but patients should be advised to report any unusual symptoms or prolonged discomfort. The results of the HBeAb test will be interpreted by the healthcare provider, who will discuss the findings with the patient and determine any necessary follow-up actions based on the results.

Short Descr	HEPATITIS BE ANTIBODY
Medium Descr	HEPATITIS BE ANTIBODY HBEAB
Long Descr	Hepatitis Be antibody (HBeAb)
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.
GA	Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GW	Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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