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The CPT® Code 86978 refers to the process of pretreating serum for the purpose of identifying red blood cell (RBC) antibodies. This procedure involves the differential red cell absorption technique, which utilizes either the patient's own red blood cells or red blood cells of a known phenotype. The goal of this pretreatment is to enhance the identification of antibodies present in the serum, which can be crucial for various medical evaluations, including blood transfusions and compatibility testing. In this context, the serum, which is derived from the patient's blood sample, is treated with specific antigens by adding red blood cells that have these antigens already attached. This interaction allows for a more accurate identification of any antibodies that may be present in the serum. It is important to note that if the serum sample is diluted prior to the addition of red blood cells, the appropriate code to use would be 86976. Alternatively, if an inhibitor is introduced to neutralize a drug that may be affecting the serum, the correct code would be 86977. The specific code 86978 is designated for instances where the red blood cells and serum are incubated together before proceeding with the testing, ensuring that the antibodies can be effectively identified.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 86978 is indicated for the identification of red blood cell antibodies in patients. This is particularly important in scenarios such as:
The procedure for CPT® Code 86978 involves several key steps to ensure accurate identification of RBC antibodies. These steps include:
Post-procedure care for patients undergoing the RBC antibody identification process typically involves monitoring for any adverse reactions, especially if the procedure is part of a larger blood transfusion protocol. The results of the antibody identification will be documented and communicated to the healthcare provider for further action, which may include additional testing or treatment based on the findings. It is essential to ensure that the patient is informed about the results and any necessary follow-up actions that may be required.
| Short Descr | RBC PRETREATMENT SERUM | Medium Descr | PRETX SERUM RBC ANTIBODY ID DIFFIAL EACH ABSRPJ | Long Descr | Pretreatment of serum for use in RBC antibody identification; by differential red cell absorption using patient RBCs or RBCs of known phenotype, each absorption | 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 | 1 | 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. | 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. | 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 |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 1993-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1993. |
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