Serology isn’t the Only HLA Cross Match

Stuck with 86805-86822 for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) testing, you need to be aware of the CPT 2010 changes that provide some new options.
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After years of being stuck with 86805-86822 for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) testing, you need to be aware of the CPT 2010 changes that provide some new options.

Read on and let our experts guide you through the maze of new codes and altered CPT instructions that change how you should report HLA typing and crossmatch for transplant patients.

Be aware of HLA typing – the old fashioned way

CPT 2010 provides the following four codes for HLA typing using serologic methods, which labs have been used for years: 86812, 86813, 86816, and 86817.

Bring up to date your HLA typing codes for molecular diagnostics

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

Problem: Until 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 such as high resolution polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Solution: Last year’s CPT added the following instruction following code 86822. For HLA typing by molecular techniques, look at 83890-83914 with appropriate genetic testing modifiers 4A-4G. That instruction frees your lab to garner more appropriate pay by choosing the molecular diagnostics codes that describe each step of a specific HLA typing test.

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