Summary & Overview
CPT 86702: Laboratory Testing for HIV‑2 Antibody
CPT code 86702 represents laboratory testing for HIV‑2 antibodies, a vital tool in the detection and differentiation of HIV infections. This code is widely used in clinical laboratories to support accurate diagnosis and inform patient management, especially in cases where distinguishing between HIV‑1 and HIV‑2 is clinically relevant. The test is typically performed in laboratory settings and is recognized by major national payers, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, and UnitedHealthcare.
This publication provides a comprehensive overview of 86702, including payer coverage, clinical context, and related coding benchmarks. Readers will gain insight into the role of HIV‑2 antibody testing in preventive screening, diagnostic workflows, and its importance in public health. The analysis also highlights common billing practices, such as the use of modifier 33 for preventive services, and reviews associated taxonomies and ICD-10 diagnoses relevant to HIV testing. Additionally, related CPT codes are discussed to clarify distinctions in laboratory reporting for HIV and other infectious agents.
Healthcare professionals, laboratory administrators, and policy stakeholders will find this summary useful for understanding national coverage trends, coding updates, and the clinical significance of HIV‑2 antibody testing in laboratory medicine.
CPT Code Overview
CPT code 86702 is used to report laboratory testing for the detection of antibodies specific to HIV‑2. This test is a critical component in the diagnosis and management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, particularly distinguishing HIV‑2 from HIV‑1. The service is classified under Laboratory / Pathology and is typically performed in a laboratory setting, such as Place of Service (POS) 19. Accurate identification of HIV‑2 antibodies supports clinical decision-making and public health surveillance efforts.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A patient presents to a family medicine or internal medicine clinic for routine screening or evaluation related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The provider orders laboratory testing to detect antibodies specific to HIV‑2. The specimen is collected and sent to a clinical medical laboratory (Place of Service 19), where the laboratory performs the antibody test using CPT code 86702. This workflow is typical for preventive screening, evaluation of exposure, or confirmation of HIV infection status, especially in patients with risk factors or inconclusive prior results.
Coding Specifications
- Modifier
33: Used to indicate a preventive service, such as preventive HIV‑2 antibody screening. This modifier is applied when the test is performed as part of a preventive health encounter.
| Provider Taxonomy Code | Specialty Description |
|---|---|
291U00000X | Clinical Medical Laboratory |
207Q00000X | Family Medicine Physician |