CPT® Code 86060 is used to report an antistreptolysin O (ASO) titer, a blood test that measures antibodies produced in response to streptolysin O, a toxin produced by group A Streptococcus bacteria.
ASO testing can help identify a recent streptococcal infection, particularly when evaluating complications that may develop after the initial infection has resolved. It is commonly considered when assessing conditions such as rheumatic fever or post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.
The test is not generally used to diagnose an active throat infection because ASO antibodies typically develop after the acute infection.
Key Facts About CPT® 86060
- Service type: Laboratory immunology test
- Test: Antistreptolysin O (ASO) antibody titer
- Specimen type: Typically serum
- Test purpose: Evaluate evidence of a recent streptococcal infection
- Provider type: Physicians, laboratories, and qualified healthcare professionals
Common clinical indications:
- Suspected post-streptococcal complications
- Rheumatic fever evaluation
- Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis evaluation
- Other conditions where evidence of recent streptococcal infection is clinically relevant
When to Use CPT® 86060
CPT 86060 may be appropriate when:
- A provider is evaluating a patient for evidence of a recent group A streptococcal infection
- The patient presents with findings suggestive of a post-streptococcal complication
- A recent strep infection is suspected based on the patient's history and clinical presentation
- Serologic evidence may help support the diagnostic evaluation
Examples:
- Evaluating a patient with suspected rheumatic fever after a recent streptococcal infection
- Investigating possible post-streptococcal kidney complications
- Assessing a patient with symptoms suggesting a delayed complication following a documented strep infection
Documentation Requirements
To support CPT 86060 billing, documentation should include:
- Patient identifiers and date of service
- Clinical indication for ASO testing
- Relevant symptoms and medical history
- History of suspected or documented streptococcal infection, when applicable
- Specimen type
- ASO titer result and date reported
- Ordering provider information
Clear documentation helps establish medical necessity and supports accurate laboratory billing.
Reimbursement and Coding Considerations
- CPT 86060 reports ASO antibody titer testing
- ASO testing is generally used to assess recent prior streptococcal infection, rather than to diagnose an active infection
- Diagnosis coding should support the patient's symptoms, suspected post-streptococcal condition, or other clinical indication
- Additional testing may be necessary depending on the suspected condition and clinical findings
- Coverage and frequency limitations vary by payer and medical necessity
Always verify payer-specific laboratory testing and reimbursement requirements before submitting claims.
How OptiMantra Supports Infectious Disease Laboratory Testing
OptiMantra's integrated EMR and practice management platform helps streamline documentation and billing for CPT 86060.
With OptiMantra, providers can:
- Order ASO testing within the patient chart
- Document relevant symptoms and previous infection history
- Link laboratory results to diagnoses and treatment plans
- Document follow-up recommendations based on clinical findings
- Maintain organized laboratory documentation that supports billing compliance and audit preparedness
By centralizing laboratory results and clinical documentation, OptiMantra helps practices maintain organized records and support efficient follow-up care.
Try OptiMantra for free here!
Disclaimer: CPT® codes are maintained by the American Medical Association. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace official coding guidelines or payer policies.
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