Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

Distinguish typing/crossmatch methods to help you pick the right code. After years of being stuck with 86805-86822 for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) testing, you need to come up to speed with CPT 2010 and 2009 changes that provide some new options. Let our experts guide you through the maze of new codes -- and revised CPT instructions -- that alter how you should report HLA typing and crossmatch for transplant patients. Resource: If you're new to transplant testing, you might want to first read "Keep HLA Codes Straight With This Transplant Primer" on page 19 for a concise introduction. Know HLA Typing -- The Old Fashioned Serology Way CPT provides the following four codes for HLA typing using serologic methods, which labs have used for years: • 86812 HLA typing; A,B, or C (e.g., A10,B7, B27), single antigen • 86813 ... A, B, or C, multiple antigens • 86816 ... DR/DQ, single antigen [...]