CPT code 86816 designates a serologic laboratory test that identifies a single human leukocyte antigen (HLA) specificity within HLA Class II, focused on the DR and DQ loci. This code is used for targeted HLA typing in clinical contexts such as transplant matching, immunogenetics, and diagnostic evaluation of immune-mediated conditions. Nationally, accurate reporting of HLA testing codes supports care coordination for transplantation and establishes clinical documentation for payer adjudication.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise summary of the clinical context for CPT code 86816, typical sites of service, and the types of information payers commonly consider for laboratory HLA testing claims.

This publication provides benchmarks and policy-relevant context rather than clinical guidance. It outlines typical utilization contexts, common modifiers used with laboratory procedures (listed elsewhere in the document), and highlights areas where payers may request medical necessity documentation. Data not provided in the input, such as associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, and payer-specific coverage edits, are noted as unavailable in the relevant sections.