Question

question 4

a patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (aids) presents for follow-up care. a total t-cell count is ordered to evaluate the disease. what is the correct code(s) for this study?

86359
86703
86361,86359
86360

Explanation:

Identify the ordered laboratory test

The physician ordered a "total T-cell count" to evaluate the patient's AIDS disease.

Map the test to the correct CPT code

• CPT code 86359 is defined as: T cells; total count.
• CPT code 86360 is defined as: T cells; absolute CD4 and CD8 count, including ratio.
• CPT code 86361 is defined as: T cells; absolute CD4 count.
• CPT code 86703 is defined as: Antibody; HIV-1 and HIV-2, single assay.

Select the matching code

Since only a total T-cell count was ordered, the correct CPT code is 86359.

Answer:

• (A) 86359 (Correct answer)
• (B) 86703
• (C) 86361,86359
• (D) 86360