Lab & pathology
86592 — Syphilis screening (RPR/VDRL)
Screening test for syphilis. Often part of routine STI panels and prenatal labs. Should be free under ACA preventive coverage.
- Typical setting: Lab or doctor's office
- National avg charge (illustrative): Insurance allowed $5-$20; cash $15-$60.
- Most-disputed reason: Charged a copay when ACA preventive coverage applies.
What it means
What 86592 actually means
CPT 86592 is a screening test for syphilis. ACA-compliant plans must cover this at $0 cost-share for at-risk adults and pregnant patients.
Common errors with this code
What goes wrong on real bills.
Most bills that look correct still contain at least one of these issues. Up to 49% of medical bills contain errors (CFPB).
- Coded with a diagnostic code instead of preventive screening, generating a copay.
- Combined with confirmatory test (86593) charged separately even when not performed.
If you see 86592 on your bill
Three steps before paying.
1. Get the itemized bill. If your statement only shows a summary, request the CPT-level itemized bill before paying. Generate the request language →
2. Cross-check against the EOB. Compare what your insurer's Explanation of Benefits says you owe versus what the hospital is asking. They disagree more often than people think. Read the bill-vs-EOB guide →
3. Run a free Bill Scan. Upload the bill (and EOB if you have it) and BillBusted will flag the most likely issues with this specific code in your specific state. Run free scan →
Related codes
Other codes in this category.
People who land on 86592 often also see these adjacent codes on the same bill.
CPT
80050 — General health panel; includes CBC w/diff, CMP, TSH
Lab — check for unbundling and duplicate billing.
CPT
80051 — Electrolyte panel; CO2, chloride, potassium, sodium
Lab — check for unbundling and duplicate billing.
CPT
80053 — Comprehensive metabolic panel
If individual blood tests are also on your bill, you may have an unbundling error.
CPT
80055 — Obstetric panel; CBC w/diff, HBsAg, rubella Ab, syphilis, RBC Ab screen, ABO/Rh
Lab — check for unbundling and duplicate billing.
CPT
80061 — Lipid panel (cholesterol)
If you see HDL or LDL listed separately next to 80061, that's unbundling.
Related BillBusted guides
Plain-English reads if you see 86592 on a bill.
86592 FAQ
Plain-English answers.
Don't pay 86592 blindly.
The free scan tells you in under 60 seconds whether this charge looks reasonable for your situation.