CPT® Code 86140 is used to report quantitative measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP) in blood, an important marker of systemic inflammation. CRP testing is widely used to support diagnosis, monitor disease activity, and assess response to therapy in conditions such as infection, autoimmune disorders, and cardiovascular disease.
This code represents the laboratory test itself, not specimen collection, interpretation, or evaluation and management services, which may be reported separately when appropriate.
Key Facts About CPT® 86140
- Service type: Laboratory blood test
- Provider type: Physicians, laboratories, and qualified healthcare professionals
- Medical services included: Yes—quantitative CRP measurement
- Specimen type: Serum or plasma
- Test purpose: Inflammation assessment
- Common clinical indications:
- Monitoring autoimmune or inflammatory conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
- Assessing acute or chronic infection
- Evaluating cardiovascular risk in certain patients
- Tracking response to anti-inflammatory therapy
When to Use CPT® 86140
CPT 86140 is appropriate when:
- CRP testing is ordered to quantify systemic inflammation
- Monitoring disease activity in chronic inflammatory or autoimmune conditions
- Evaluating acute inflammatory response or infection
- Supporting clinical decision-making regarding therapy adjustments
Examples:
- Ordering CRP testing for a patient with worsening joint pain and inflammation
- Monitoring response to immunosuppressive therapy in autoimmune disease
- Evaluating suspected bacterial infection in a patient with fever
Documentation Requirements
To support CPT 86140 billing, documentation should include:
- Patient identifiers and date of service
- Clinical indication for CRP testing
- Specimen source
- Test performed (quantitative CRP)
- Test result and date reported
- Ordering provider information
Accurate documentation ensures compliance, proper reimbursement, and continuity of care.
Reimbursement and Coding Considerations
- CPT 86140 is generally covered when medically necessary
- Diagnosis coding should support inflammatory or infection-related indications
- Specimen collection may be billed separately if allowed by payer
- Frequency limitations may apply depending on payer policy
- Often performed alongside other inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, cytokine panels)
Always verify payer-specific laboratory testing policies prior to billing.
How OptiMantra Supports CRP Testing
OptiMantra’s integrated EMR and practice management system streamlines documentation and billing for CPT 86140:
With OptiMantra, providers can:
- Order and document CRP tests within the patient chart
- Track inflammation markers over time for clinical monitoring
- Link results to diagnoses, treatment plans, and follow-up recommendations
- Support compliant, audit-ready documentation for laboratory billing workflows
- Maintain longitudinal lab records for comprehensive care management
By centralizing lab workflows, OptiMantra helps practices improve efficiency, support compliance, and optimize reimbursement for inflammatory marker testing.
Try OptiMantra for free here!
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