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The CPT® Code 86615 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure antibodies against Bordetella, the bacterium responsible for whooping cough, also known as pertussis. This test is crucial for diagnosing infections caused by Bordetella pertussis, as it helps determine the presence of specific antibodies in the patient's blood. The common language description indicates that the test can be utilized to monitor the immune response to a pertussis infection. In individuals who have been vaccinated, IgG antibodies may be detected, while newborns and infants may show these antibodies due to placental transfer from their mothers. Elevated antibody levels can indicate a recent active infection, and the presence of rising IgA and IgM antibodies is typically associated with an active infection, making them more diagnostic for whooping cough. The testing process involves obtaining a blood sample through venipuncture, which is a separately reportable procedure. The serum obtained from the blood sample is then analyzed using semi-quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and qualitative immunoblot techniques to accurately assess the antibody levels present in the sample.
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The antibody test for Bordetella, coded as CPT® 86615, is indicated for several specific clinical scenarios, including:
The procedure for conducting the Bordetella antibody test involves several key steps, which are outlined as follows:
After the Bordetella antibody test is completed, patients may experience minor discomfort or bruising at the venipuncture site, which typically resolves quickly. There are no specific post-procedure care instructions required for this test, but patients should be advised to monitor the site for any signs of infection, such as increased redness or swelling. Results from the test are usually available within a few days, and healthcare providers will discuss the findings with the patient to determine any necessary follow-up actions or treatments based on the antibody levels detected.
| Short Descr | BORDETELLA ANTIBODY | Medium Descr | ANTIBODY BORDETELLA | Long Descr | Antibody; Bordetella | 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 | CLIA Waived (QW) | No | APC Status Indicator | Conditionally packaged laboratory tests | Type of Service (TOS) | 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule) | MUE | 6 | 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. | 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. | 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. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GY | Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary |
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| 1993-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1993. |