Summary & Overview
CPT 86147: Cardiolipin (Antiphospholipid) Antibody Test, Per Immunoglobulin Class
CPT code 86147 identifies the laboratory technical component for testing antibodies to cardiolipin (antiphospholipids), reported separately for each immunoglobulin class analyzed. This immunology assay is clinically important for evaluation of antiphospholipid syndrome and thrombotic risk in patients, making it a frequently ordered specialty serology test across outpatient and hospital laboratory settings. Nationally, accurate coding of 86147 affects laboratory service classification, reporting of test volumes by immunoglobulin class, and payer adjudication for specialty serology.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical context for antiphospholipid/cardiolipin antibody testing, typical sites of service, and which payers commonly cover laboratory immunology services. The publication outlines benchmarks and common billing practices tied to test reporting per immunoglobulin class, and summarizes policy-relevant points that influence claim processing and laboratory billing workflows. Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, and related codes.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 86147 describes a laboratory technical procedure in which the lab analyst performs testing to detect antibodies to cardiolipin (antiphospholipids). The code is reported once for each immunoglobulin class (for example, IgG, IgM) tested by the analyst.
Service Type: Clinical laboratory immunology test (antiphospholipid/cardiolipin antibody assay)
Typical Site of Service: Clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory
Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, and related codes.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 34-year-old female presents to a hematology clinic with a history of recurrent first-trimester pregnancy loss and a prior unexplained deep vein thrombosis. Her hematologist orders serologic testing for antiphospholipid antibodies, including anticardiolipin antibodies (IgG and IgM) to evaluate for antiphospholipid syndrome. A phlebotomy technician draws blood in the outpatient laboratory. The laboratory analyst performs the technical assay corresponding to 86147 to detect antibodies to cardiolipin; the test is reported separately for each immunoglobulin class tested (for example, once for IgG and once for IgM). Results are sent to the ordering clinician and incorporated into the diagnostic workup and management plan. Typical sites of service are outpatient ambulatory laboratory or hospital clinical laboratory performing immunology serology testing.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the professional (interpretive) component if the laboratory separates technical and professional components and the laboratory report requires physician interpretation. |