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The CPT® Code 86850 refers to the procedure known as an antibody screen for red blood cells (RBC), specifically performed on each serum technique. This test is crucial in the field of transfusion medicine, as it involves analyzing a blood sample to detect antibodies that are directed against RBC antigens, excluding the well-known A and B antigens. The antibody screen is often conducted as part of a comprehensive blood typing and screening process, particularly in situations where there is a possibility that a patient may require a blood transfusion. The detection of antibodies is vital because it helps to ensure compatibility between the donor's and recipient's blood, thereby minimizing the risk of transfusion reactions. The procedure may also be referred to as an indirect antiglobulin test (IAT), which is a specific methodology used to identify the presence of these antibodies. The test can be performed using various serum techniques, including the IAT methodology or alternative methods such as solid phase techniques. It is important to note that if multiple serum techniques are utilized during the testing process, each technique must be reported separately to ensure accurate coding and billing. This comprehensive approach to antibody screening is essential for patient safety and effective transfusion practices.
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The antibody screen, as indicated by CPT® Code 86850, is performed under specific circumstances where the detection of antibodies against red blood cell antigens is necessary. The following are the primary indications for this procedure:
The procedure for conducting an antibody screen using CPT® Code 86850 involves several key steps, which are detailed below:
Following the antibody screening procedure, the patient may not require any specific post-procedure care, as the test is minimally invasive. However, it is essential for healthcare providers to review the results promptly. If antibodies are detected, the healthcare team may need to initiate additional testing for antibody identification to determine the specific type of antibodies present. This identification is crucial for ensuring safe blood transfusions and managing any potential complications. The results of the antibody screen should be documented in the patient's medical record, and any necessary follow-up actions should be communicated to the patient and relevant healthcare providers.
| Short Descr | RBC ANTIBODY SCREEN | Medium Descr | ANTIBODY SCREEN RBC EACH SERUM TECHNIQUE | Long Descr | Antibody screen, RBC, each serum technique | 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 | STV-Packaged Codes | 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. | 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. | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | 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. | 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. | 95 | Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system. | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | AY | Item or service furnished to an esrd patient that is not for the treatment of esrd | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | 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 | 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 | KX | Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met | PD | Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days | Q3 | Live kidney donor surgery and related services | Q4 | Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption | XE | Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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| 1993-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1993. |
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