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Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

Reader Question:

West Nile Virus Requires a Nonspecific Code

Published on Wed Oct 22, 2003

Question: Our lab has been receiving more orders for the test for West Nile virus. Is there a CPT code for the test? We run an IgM antibody test. 

Colorado Subscriber Answer: There is now no specific CPT code for the West Nile virus test you describe. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only approved the test in July 2003. The approved test is West Nile Virus IgM Capture ELISA, manufactured by PanBio Limited.
 
You should report the service using the nonspecific code 86790 (Antibody; virus, not elsewhere specified). The lab may perform the test on serum or cerebrospinal fluid or both. Report two units of 86790 if you perform the test on both specimens from the same patient.
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