Summary & Overview
CPT 0432U: Kelch–Like Protein 11 Antibody Test (Mayo Clinic)
CPT code 0432U designates a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) test for Kelch–Like Protein 11 (KLHL11) Antibody performed by Mayo Clinic/Mayo Clinic Laboratories. The test, performed by a cell binding assay on cerebrospinal fluid or serum, identifies a biomarker linked to autoimmune and neoplasm‑associated encephalitis. As a PLA code, 0432U is specific to a single manufacturer or laboratory and signals unique clinical and billing considerations for specialty antibody testing.
Key national payers referenced include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The code is relevant to neurologists, oncologists, clinical laboratories, and payers handling specialty diagnostic claims for encephalitis workups.
Readers will find clinical context on the test’s purpose and sample types, an overview of payer coverage landscape, and practical billing considerations specific to PLA coding. The publication outlines common modifiers used with laboratory services, typical sites of service, and what is and is not available in the input data. It focuses on national implications for access to targeted antibody testing and administrative handling of a single‑source proprietary assay.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 0432U is a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) code that applies exclusively to a single proprietary test: Kelch–Like Protein 11 Antibody performed by Mayo Clinic/Mayo Clinic Laboratories. The assay uses a cell binding assay method to evaluate a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or serum specimen for the presence of KLHL11 Antibody, a biomarker associated with autoimmune or neoplasm–associated encephalitis.
Service Type: Laboratory — Proprietary serologic/CSF antibody testing
Typical Site of Service: Clinical laboratory or reference laboratory setting, with specimens collected in outpatient clinics, hospitals, or inpatient facilities
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 54-year-old man presents to neurology with progressive cognitive decline, new-onset seizures, and subacute encephalopathy over several weeks. MRI brain shows T2 hyperintensities in the medial temporal lobes and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis demonstrates pleocytosis. The neurologist suspects autoimmune or paraneoplastic encephalitis and orders Kelch–Like Protein 11 Antibody testing from Mayo Clinic Laboratories. A CSF specimen is preferred; serum may be submitted if lumbar puncture is not performed. The specimen is collected, labeled, and shipped per Mayo’s instructions. Clinical workflow: neurology documents the suspected autoimmune/paraneoplastic encephalitis diagnosis in the chart, places the order in the electronic health record specifying Mayo Clinic Laboratories testing using the PLA test 0432U, obtains the specimen (CSF or serum) in the outpatient clinic, emergency department, or inpatient setting, completes required test requisition details, and sends the specimen to the reference lab. Results inform diagnosis of KLHL11-associated autoimmune or neoplasm–associated encephalitis and guide further oncologic evaluation and immunotherapy planning.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the professional interpretation component of a separate diagnostic procedure associated with this test (rare for PLA). |