Summary & Overview
CPT 0598U: inFoods® IBS IgG Food Antibody Microarray Test
CPT code 0598U designates the inFoods® IBS Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) test from Ethos Laboratories and Biomerica. The assay measures IgG antibodies to 18 foods from a blood or serum sample using a microarray–based immunoassay. As a PLA code, 0598U is specific to a single commercial test and signals unique billing and coverage considerations for laboratory-based diagnostics. Nationally, PLA codes are important because they allow identification of proprietary tests in claims data and support targeted review of clinical utility and coverage policies.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise briefing on the clinical purpose of the test, typical service setting, and payer relevance. The publication provides benchmarks and policy context for proprietary immunoassays, explains how this code is used in claims, and summarizes payer coverage themes and clinical considerations relevant to IBS-related dietary management. Data not available in the input will be noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 0598U is a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) code that applies exclusively to the inFoods® IBS test marketed by Ethos Laboratories and Biomerica. The test analyzes a blood or serum sample for IgG antibodies to 18 different foods using a microarray–based immunoassay, reporting whether antibody levels are elevated or within normal range. The result may be used to help guide dietary management in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Service type: Laboratory diagnostic test — proprietary immunoassay for food-specific IgG
Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or outpatient phlebotomy site
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Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an adult with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms consistent with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel habits, bloating, or food-related symptom flares. The patient has had a clinical evaluation by a gastroenterologist or primary care clinician, standard laboratory testing and stool studies are unrevealing, and dietary triggers are suspected to contribute to symptoms. The clinician orders the inFoods® IBS test (0598U) from Ethos Laboratories / Biomerica to evaluate serum IgG antibody levels to 18 common food antigens. A phlebotomy appointment is scheduled at an outpatient laboratory or the clinic; blood or serum is collected, labeled with the patient and test identifiers, and sent to the performing laboratory. The laboratory runs a microarray–based immunoassay and reports IgG antibody levels as elevated or within reference range for each food antigen. The ordering clinician reviews the report during a follow-up visit or via secure portal to guide dietary management decisions and to inform discussions with a registered dietitian when applicable. Typical sites of service are outpatient clinic, ambulatory laboratory, or independent phlebotomy collection center. Commonly billed modifiers include 00, 22, 52, and 53 to indicate normal submission, increased procedural services, reduced service, or discontinued procedure when applicable.
Coding Specifications
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