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Official Description

Antibody; rubella

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 86762 refers to the laboratory test for antibodies to rubella, a virus responsible for causing German measles. This test is particularly significant in the context of pregnancy, as a rubella infection during the first trimester can lead to serious fetal anomalies. The testing process involves analyzing a blood sample to determine the presence of specific antibodies that indicate either a current or past infection. The methodology commonly employed for this testing is chemiluminescent immunoassay, which is a sensitive and accurate technique for detecting these antibodies. There are two types of immunoglobulin tests performed: IgG and IgM. The IgG test is utilized to diagnose a past infection or to confirm immunity, while the IgM test is specifically aimed at identifying a current infection. It is important to note that if both IgG and IgM tests are conducted, each test must be reported separately to ensure accurate coding and billing for the services rendered.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The antibody test for rubella (CPT® Code 86762) is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Pregnancy Screening This test is performed on pregnant women to assess their immunity to rubella, as a current infection can pose significant risks to fetal development.
  • Assessment of Past Infection The test helps determine if a patient has had a previous rubella infection, which is crucial for understanding immunity status.
  • Diagnosis of Current Infection The IgM component of the test is specifically used to identify a current rubella infection, which is vital for timely medical intervention.

2. Procedure

The procedure for testing antibodies to rubella involves several key steps:

  • Step 1: Sample Collection A blood sample is collected from the patient, typically via venipuncture. This sample serves as the basis for the antibody testing.
  • Step 2: Laboratory Processing The collected blood sample is sent to a laboratory where it undergoes processing. This includes separating the serum from the blood cells, which is necessary for the subsequent testing.
  • Step 3: Antibody Testing The serum is then tested for the presence of rubella antibodies using chemiluminescent immunoassay methodology. Both IgG and IgM antibodies are assessed to determine the patient's immune status and infection status.
  • Step 4: Result Interpretation The laboratory interprets the results, indicating whether the IgG and/or IgM antibodies are present. This information is crucial for diagnosing past or current rubella infections.
  • Step 5: Reporting Finally, the results are documented and reported. If both IgG and IgM tests were performed, each result is reported separately to ensure accurate coding and billing.

3. Post-Procedure

After the antibody testing for rubella is completed, patients may receive their results within a few days, depending on the laboratory's processing time. If the test indicates a lack of immunity or a current infection, further medical evaluation and management may be necessary. Patients should be informed about the importance of follow-up care, especially if they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, to mitigate any potential risks associated with rubella infection. Additionally, healthcare providers may recommend vaccination for those who are not immune, but this should be done postpartum to avoid any risks to the fetus.

Short Descr RUBELLA ANTIBODY
Medium Descr ANTIBODY RUBELLA
Long Descr Antibody; rubella
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.
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
QJ Services/items provided to a prisoner or patient in state or local custody, however the state or local government, as applicable, meets the requirements in 42 cfr 411.4 (b)
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.
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).
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
GX Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy
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
Date
Action
Notes
1993-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1993.
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