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 86923 refers to a compatibility test performed on each unit of blood using electronic methods. This laboratory test is essential for determining the compatibility between a blood donor and a recipient, ensuring that the transfusion process is safe and effective. Compatibility testing, often known as cross matching (CM), is a critical step in the transfusion process to prevent adverse reactions. The electronic compatibility test is a modern approach that utilizes computer software to assess compatibility without the need for physical mixing of the recipient's plasma or serum with the donor's red blood cells. This method follows a specific algorithm to evaluate compatibility based on the recipient's blood type and antibody history. The procedure requires that the recipient has a negative antibody history, and the current blood sample must also be free of atypical red blood cell antibodies. To ensure accuracy, the recipient's ABO and Rh information is entered into the system by two different technicians, minimizing the risk of human error. The donor unit is identified through a bar code, which is scanned into the computer system to verify the ABO and Rh type of the donor blood. This electronic method enhances the reliability of compatibility testing, providing a safer transfusion experience for patients.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The compatibility test using CPT® Code 86923 is indicated in the following scenarios:
The procedure for conducting the electronic compatibility test (CPT® Code 86923) involves several critical steps to ensure accurate results:
After the electronic compatibility test is completed, the results must be documented in the patient's medical record. If the test indicates compatibility, the donor blood unit can be prepared for transfusion. It is essential to monitor the recipient during and after the transfusion for any signs of adverse reactions. In cases where incompatibility is detected, further testing may be required to identify the specific antibodies involved, and alternative donor units may need to be sourced. Proper documentation and adherence to transfusion protocols are critical to ensure patient safety and compliance with regulatory standards.
| Short Descr | COMPATIBILITY TEST ELECTRIC | Medium Descr | COMPATIBILITY EACH UNIT ELECTRONIC | Long Descr | Compatibility test each unit; electronic | 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 | STV-Packaged Codes | Type of Service (TOS) | 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule) | MUE | 10 | CCS Clinical Classification | 235 - Other Laboratory |
| 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. | 76 | Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 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. | 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. | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2006-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2006. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.