CPT 2010: New Options for HLA Testing

You have been stuck with 86805-86822 for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) testing; now we have some new options for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) testing

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For more on the new options and how you should report HLA typing and cross match for transplant patients, read on:

Know HLA typing The old fashioned serology way

CPT has chosen four new codes for HLA typing using serologic methods, which labs have used for years.

Recognize class' terminology: The lab report might state that the test was for HLA class I antigens. To choose the proper code, you will need to know how the class terminology aligns with the code definitions. While Class I refers to A, B and C, Class II refers to certain DQ and DR antigens.

For Molecular Diagnostics, update your HLA typing codes

Many labs now carry out HLA typing using molecular diagnostics methods instead of serologic testing. How will you report these tests?

Problem: Till last year, AMA direction published in CPT Assistant indicated that you should continue to report 86812-86817, even if the lab carried out HLA typing by molecular diagnostics techniques like high resolution polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Solution: CPT 2009 had added the following instruction following code 86822. For HLA typing by molecular pathology techniques, see 83890-83914 with the right genetic testing modifiers 4A-4G. This instruction frees your lab to gather proper pay by choosing the molecular diagnostics codes that describe each step of a specific HLA typing test.

For more on this, and how you should report HLA typing and cross match for transplant patients, sign up for a one-stop medical coding website. When you sign up for one, you can do a free CPT codes lookup 2010 and will know exactly which codes you should report HLA typing and cross match for transplant patients.

CPT 2010: New Options for HLA Testing

By: James Smith

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