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CPT 86787: Varicella Zoster Antibody Immunoassay
CPT code 86787 represents an immunoassay for antibodies to varicella zoster virus (VZV) performed on serum or cerebrospinal fluid. This laboratory test is clinically important for diagnosing VZV infection, differentiating active versus past exposure, and assessing immunity in patients at risk for complications. Nationally, VZV serology contributes to public health surveillance, preprocedural risk assessment, and management of immunocompromised patients.
Key payers referenced in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise review of clinical context, typical sites of service, common billing modifiers (listed separately), and the role of 86787 in diagnostic workflows. The publication also summarizes benchmarks and reimbursement context where available, highlights relevant coding considerations, and notes when input data were not provided.
This resource is intended for billing managers, laboratory directors, and policy analysts who need a clear reference on clinical purpose, service setting, and payer coverage landscape for CPT code 86787. Data not available in the input are identified explicitly in relevant sections.
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Billing Code Overview
CPT code 86787 describes an immunoassay performed by a laboratory analyst to detect antibodies to varicella zoster virus in a patient’s serum or cerebrospinal fluid. This test evaluates immune response to varicella zoster, the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles, and aids in diagnosis of active or past infection and in assessment of immune status.
Service Type: Laboratory — Infectious Disease Serology / Immunoassay
Typical Site of Service: Clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory; specimens are collected in outpatient clinics, inpatient settings, or other sites where blood or cerebrospinal fluid collection is performed.