CPT® Code 86757

The CPT® Code 86757 refers to the laboratory test for antibodies to Rickettsia, which are a group of bacteria known to cause various diseases in humans. This test involves analyzing a blood sample to detect the presence of antibodies that the immune system produces in response to an infection by Rickettsial organisms. In the United States, the primary Rickettsial species tested include Rickettsia rickettsii, which is responsible for Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Rickettsia typhi, associated with typhus fever. Infection with R. rickettsii typically begins with symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, nausea, and muscle aches, which may progress to include a rash, abdominal pain, and joint pain. On the other hand, R. typhi can be transmitted through bites from infected lice, fleas, or mites, leading to an acute febrile illness. The testing methodologies commonly employed for detecting Rickettsia antibodies include Indirect Fluorescent Antibody (IFA) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The test can measure two types of immunoglobulins: IgG, which indicates a current or past infection, and IgM, which is indicative of a current infection. It is important to note that if both IgG and IgM tests are conducted, each test should be reported separately to ensure accurate documentation and coding.