How To Use CPT Code 0024U

CPT 0024U describes a proprietary laboratory analysis (PLA) test known as the GlycA test. This test measures the levels of glycosylated acute phase proteins in the blood, which is an indicator of systemic inflammation. The test is performed using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and is offered by Laboratory Corporation of America. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of CPT code 0024U.

1. What is CPT Code 0024U?

CPT 0024U is a unique laboratory test code that describes the GlycA test for glycosylated acute phase proteins. This test measures the levels of proteins associated with inflammation in the blood using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. It is a proprietary test offered by Laboratory Corporation of America and provides a more stable measure of systemic inflammation with just a single test.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0024U is not available. Please refer to the specific documentation provided by Laboratory Corporation of America for detailed information about the GlycA test.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a blood sample, typically serum or plasma, from the patient.
2. The blood sample is analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure the levels of glycosylated acute phase proteins.
3. The analysis includes the measurement of proteins such as fibrinogen and other acute phase reactants associated with inflammation.
4. The results of the analysis provide information about the patient’s systemic inflammation levels.

4. Qualifying circumstances

The GlycA test can be ordered by clinicians for patients with various conditions, including coronary artery disease, to assess levels of systemic inflammation. It is also used for monitoring the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory treatments. The test is performed on serum or plasma samples, which contain important components such as proteins, electrolytes, hormones, and coagulation factors.

5. When to use CPT code 0024U

CPT code 0024U should be used when the GlycA test is performed to measure the levels of glycosylated acute phase proteins using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. It is important to ensure that the test is ordered specifically for the GlycA analysis and not for any other laboratory test. The test should be performed on human specimens requested by the clinical lab that offers the test.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0024U, the documentation should include:

• Identification of the patient
• Date of service
• Specific details about the GlycA test performed
• Results of the test
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0024U, ensure that the test is performed by Laboratory Corporation of America and that the documentation supports the medical necessity of the test. It is important to follow the specific billing guidelines provided by the payer and to report only one unit of this code for a single specimen analyzed on a single date of service. Some payers may also separately reimburse for the collection of the specimen.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0024U was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2018. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A clinician orders the GlycA test for a patient with coronary artery disease to assess their systemic inflammation levels.
2. A patient undergoing anti-inflammatory treatment has the GlycA test performed to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment.
3. A clinician requests the GlycA test for a patient with an inflammatory condition to evaluate their overall inflammatory status.
4. A patient with a history of chronic inflammation undergoes the GlycA test to assess their systemic inflammation levels.
5. A clinician orders the GlycA test for a patient with an autoimmune disease to monitor their inflammatory response.
6. A patient with suspected systemic inflammation has the GlycA test performed to aid in their diagnosis.
7. A clinician uses the GlycA test to assess the inflammatory status of a patient before and after a surgical procedure.
8. A patient with a family history of inflammatory conditions undergoes the GlycA test as a preventive measure.
9. A clinician orders the GlycA test for a patient with a suspected infection to evaluate their inflammatory response.
10. A patient with a chronic inflammatory condition undergoes the GlycA test to monitor the progression of their disease.