Summary & Overview
CPT 86744: Nocardia Antibody Immunoassay
CPT code 86744 represents a laboratory immunoassay for detection of serum antibodies to Nocardia species. This serologic test assists clinicians in evaluating possible Nocardia infection or exposure, supplementing culture and molecular methods in diagnostic workups. Nationally, accurate coding for specialized infectious disease serology is important for claims processing, clinical documentation, and epidemiologic surveillance.
Key payers typically involved in coverage and claims for this service include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Coverage policies for specialized serologic testing can vary by payer and clinical context.
Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical purpose of the test, typical sites of service, and the major payers relevant to reimbursement and coverage considerations. The publication provides benchmarks where available, notes on coding and billing contexts, and clinical context explaining when an antibody immunoassay for Nocardia may be used alongside other diagnostic methods. Data not available in the input is identified explicitly where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 86744 describes an immunoassay performed by a laboratory analyst to detect antibodies to Nocardia in a patient's serum. This test is a serologic assay used to evaluate exposure to or immune response against Nocardia species.
Service type: Laboratory diagnostic immunoassay
Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 58-year-old immunocompromised patient (chronic corticosteroid therapy for connective tissue disease) presents with progressive pulmonary symptoms including cough, fever, and weight loss. Chest imaging shows nodular pulmonary infiltrates with cavitation. The infectious disease consultant orders serologic testing to evaluate for Nocardia infection as part of a broader workup for opportunistic bacterial and fungal causes. A phlebotomy technician draws serum which is sent to the clinical laboratory. A medical technologist or laboratory immunology analyst performs an immunoassay to detect antibodies to Nocardia species (CPT 86744). Results are reviewed by a pathologist or laboratory director, documented in the electronic medical record, and communicated to the ordering clinician to guide antimicrobial therapy and consideration of culture, molecular testing, or tissue biopsy.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | When billing only the professional interpretation or consultative component of the laboratory test separate from the facility technical work |
TC | Technical component |