Question

question 21

a patient with aids presents for follow up care. the total t-cell count is ordered to evaluate any progression of the disease. what cpt® code(s) is/are reported?

86703
86360
86361, 86359
86359

Explanation:

Identify the requested procedure

The clinical scenario specifies a "total T-cell count" ordered for a patient with AIDS to evaluate disease progression.

Analyze the CPT code options

• 86703: Antibody; HIV-1 and HIV-2, single assay (not a T-cell count).
• 86360: T cells; total count (absolute T-helper [CD4] and T-suppressor [CD8] percent and absolute ratio).
• 86361: T cells; absolute CD4 count (used for absolute CD4 count only).
• 86359: T cells; total count.

Select the correct code

CPT code 86359 is the specific code for "T cells; total count".

Answer:

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