Summary & Overview
CPT 86741: Neisseria meningitidis Antibody Serology, Technical Component
CPT code 86741 represents a laboratory technical procedure for serologic testing to detect Neisseria meningitidis antibodies in a patient’s serum. This code identifies the technical component of antibody analysis and is used by clinical and hospital laboratories performing diagnostic serology. Nationally, accurate coding of serology tests for infectious agents like Neisseria meningitidis matters for surveillance, public health reporting workflows, and appropriate laboratory reimbursement.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context for serologic testing, coding and billing considerations specific to the technical laboratory component, common modifiers used with laboratory services, and what typical sites of service look like for this procedure. The publication also summarizes benchmarking and policy-related notes relevant to laboratory billing for infectious disease serology, and provides guidance on where to look for additional coding and coverage resources.
This national summary is intended for billing managers, laboratory directors, and health policy analysts seeking a clear, practical description of CPT code 86741 and its role in diagnostic laboratory services.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 86741 describes a laboratory technical service in which a lab analyst performs testing of a patient serum specimen to detect Neisseria meningitidis antibodies. The service type is diagnostic serology testing. The typical site of service is a clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory where blood specimens are processed and analyzed.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A patient presents to an outpatient laboratory or hospital clinical laboratory with signs suggestive of recent or past exposure to Neisseria meningitidis — for example, a patient with recent febrile illness and neck stiffness after close contact with a confirmed case, or a convalescent patient evaluated for immune response following suspected meningococcal infection or vaccination. A clinician orders serologic testing to detect antibodies against Neisseria meningitidis in the patient’s serum. A venipuncture is performed in a clinic, urgent care, emergency department, or inpatient ward; the serum specimen is sent to the laboratory. The medical technologist or lab analyst performs the specific antibody assay (e.g., ELISA or other immunoassay) to determine the presence and/or titer of anti-Neisseria meningitidis antibodies. Results are reported to the ordering provider for clinical correlation, public health reporting if indicated, and to guide management decisions such as contact prophylaxis or vaccination updates. Typical site of service: outpatient laboratory, hospital laboratory, or public health laboratory. Service type: laboratory serologic testing (technical component).
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | When billing only the professional (interpretation) portion if applicable and separate from the laboratory technical component |