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July 16, 2024

Proper Billing of Tuberculosis Tests

To ensure claims for Tuberculosis tests process appropriately, please review the following CPT code descriptors:

  • 86480 – Tuberculosis test, cell mediated immunity antigen response measurement; of gamma interferon should be reported for tuberculosis (TB) testing by ELISA technique-based cell-mediated immunity measurement of gamma interferon antigen response
  • 86841 – Tuberculosis test, cell mediated immunity antigen response measurement; enumeration of gamma interferon-producing T-cells in cell suspension, should be reported for an interferon gamma release assay that requires the enumeration of gamma interferon producing T-cells

Report CPT code 86841 only when the test includes the following steps or elements:

  • Isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from whole blood
  • Wash and standardize cell number
  • Count spots, which are the IFN-gamma secreting cells

If the test does not meet the requirements above (e.g., the test is simply a measure of interferon production without cell enumeration), report CPT code 86840.

Medical record documentation must support the service rendered.

For additional coding guidance, review the current AMA CPT Coding Manual.

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