July 16, 2024
Proper Billing of Tuberculosis Tests
To ensure claims for Tuberculosis tests process appropriately, please review the following CPT code descriptors:
- 86480 – Tuberculosis test, cell mediated immunity antigen response measurement; of gamma interferon should be reported for tuberculosis (TB) testing by ELISA technique-based cell-mediated immunity measurement of gamma interferon antigen response
- 86841 – Tuberculosis test, cell mediated immunity antigen response measurement; enumeration of gamma interferon-producing T-cells in cell suspension, should be reported for an interferon gamma release assay that requires the enumeration of gamma interferon producing T-cells
Report CPT code 86841 only when the test includes the following steps or elements:
- Isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from whole blood
- Wash and standardize cell number
- Count spots, which are the IFN-gamma secreting cells
If the test does not meet the requirements above (e.g., the test is simply a measure of interferon production without cell enumeration), report CPT code 86840.
Medical record documentation must support the service rendered.
For additional coding guidance, review the current AMA CPT Coding Manual.