Need help choosing the right code?
Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.
Try CasePilot© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The CPT® Code 86870 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed for the identification of red blood cell (RBC) antibodies. This test is crucial in situations where an initial antibody screening, such as the one indicated by CPT® Code 86850, has shown the presence of IgG antibodies or complement fragments on the surface of RBCs. The identification of these antibodies is particularly important in the context of pregnancy, as maternal IgG alloantibodies can cross the placenta and potentially lead to serious complications for the fetus. The test helps in monitoring antibody levels during pregnancy and assessing the risk of hemolytic disease in newborns, which can result from an antigen-antibody reaction that causes the destruction of RBCs in the fetus. This destruction can lead to conditions such as fetal anemia and hyperbilirubinemia, which can be harmful or even fatal. The procedure involves obtaining a blood sample through venipuncture, which is reported separately, and the serum is then analyzed using a technique known as hemagglutination to identify the specific RBC antibodies present.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The antibody identification test, represented by CPT® Code 86870, is indicated in several clinical scenarios, particularly when there is a need to further investigate the presence of RBC antibodies following an initial screening. The following conditions warrant the performance of this test:
The procedure for antibody identification using CPT® Code 86870 involves several key steps that ensure accurate identification of RBC antibodies. Each step is critical to the overall success of the test:
After the antibody identification test is completed, there are several considerations for post-procedure care and follow-up. Patients may be advised to monitor for any symptoms that could indicate complications related to hemolytic disease. Additionally, healthcare providers will review the test results to determine the next steps in management, which may include further testing or interventions based on the identified antibodies. It is important for healthcare professionals to communicate the results effectively to the patient and discuss any necessary precautions or treatments that may be required to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and the newborn.
| Short Descr | RBC ANTIBODY IDENTIFICATION | Medium Descr | ANTIBODY ID RBC ANTIBODIES EA PANEL EA SERUM TQ | Long Descr | Antibody identification, RBC antibodies, each panel for 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 | APC Status Indicator | T-Packaged Codes | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.