June 2000 page 11
Coding Consultation
Pathology and Laboratory, 86708, 86709 (Q&A)
Question
Can I report 86708 and 86709 on the same date of service (86708 is performed first, and if positive, then 86709 is performed)? These are two separate and distinct tests.
AMA Comment
From a CPT coding perspective, if both CPT codes 86708, Hepatitis A antibody (HAAb); IgG and IgM, and 86709, Hepatatis A antibody (HAAb); IgM antibody, are performed as separate tests, and the physician ordered both tests, then it would be appropriate to separately report these two codes.
Pathology and Laboratory, 86708, 86709 (Q&...
Note: The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AMA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.
Article Overview
This article is a brief pathology and laboratory coding consultation focused on CPT reporting questions for hepatitis A antibody testing. It is aimed at coders, billers, and laboratory staff who need to understand the scope of the guidance and the type of coding issue discussed in the Q&A format.
Why This Topic Matters
Articles like this help readers quickly determine whether a coding clarification applies to a specific laboratory testing scenario and whether additional CPT guidance may be needed.
Article Sections
Coding Consultation
A Q&A discussion addressing CPT reporting for separate laboratory tests performed on the same date of service.
What You Will Learn
What the article’s coding question is about
Which CPT laboratory coding topic is being discussed
The general context of reporting separate tests in a pathology and laboratory Q&A format
How the article frames physician ordering and test separation as part of the guidance topic
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