How To Use CPT Code 0052U

CPT 0052U describes a proprietary laboratory analysis (PLA) code for the VAP® Cholesterol Test by VAP Diagnostics Laboratory, Inc. This test involves high-resolution fractionation and quantitation of lipoproteins in a patient’s blood specimen. In this article, we will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of CPT code 0052U.

1. What is CPT Code 0052U?

CPT 0052U is a proprietary laboratory analysis code specifically designed for the VAP® Cholesterol Test by VAP Diagnostics Laboratory, Inc. This test utilizes high-resolution fractionation to measure the amount of lipoprotein in a patient’s blood specimen. It provides detailed information on lipoprotein classes and subclasses, including HDL, LDL, VLDL, lipoprotein(a), IDL, HDL subclasses (HDL2 and HDL3), LDL subclasses (LDL1, LDL2, LDL3, and LDL4), and VLDL subclasses (VLDL1, VLDL2, and VLDL3).

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0052U is not available. However, it is a proprietary laboratory analysis code for the VAP® Cholesterol Test by VAP Diagnostics Laboratory, Inc. This test involves high-resolution fractionation and quantitation of lipoproteins, providing comprehensive information on lipoprotein classes and subclasses.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs a high-resolution fractionation test on a patient’s blood specimen.
2. The test utilizes vertical auto profile (VAP) ultracentrifugation, a proprietary technology, to separate lipoproteins based on their densities and floating rates.
3. The lipoproteins form a rigid uniform layer at the top of the centrifuge tube after 20 to 24 hours of centrifugation.
4. The analyst adds soluble materials to raise the density of the solution containing the sample and performs ultracentrifugation to subject it to high centrifugal force.
5. The various lipoproteins gather on the top of the centrifuge tube according to their densities.
6. The lab analyst measures and quantifies the lipoprotein classes and subclasses using the VAP® Cholesterol Test.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 0052U is used for patients who require evaluation of lipoprotein levels and subclasses. It is not limited to testing for a specific condition but can be ordered to assess patients with atherosclerosis for an increase in lipoprotein-associated phospholipase enzyme levels, which may further increase the risk of stroke or heart attack. This test provides greater specificity and complements other lipoprotein tests.

5. When to use CPT code 0052U

CPT code 0052U should be used for the VAP® Cholesterol Test by VAP Diagnostics Laboratory, Inc. It is a proprietary laboratory analysis code and should not be reported with any other CPT code for lipoprotein fractionation and quantitation. This code is used for a single specimen analyzed on a single date of service.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0052U, the following documentation is required:

• Patient’s information and demographics
• Date of service
• Results of the VAP® Cholesterol Test, including lipoprotein classes and subclasses

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0052U, ensure that the test is performed by VAP Diagnostics Laboratory, Inc. This proprietary laboratory analysis code takes precedence over other lipoprotein fractionation and quantitation codes. Do not report this test with any other CPT code. Some payers may pay separately for specimen collection, so it is recommended to check with the appropriate payer for specific billing requirements.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0052U, the VAP® Cholesterol Test, was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on July 1, 2018. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with atherosclerosis undergoes the VAP® Cholesterol Test to evaluate their lipoprotein levels and subclasses.
2. A clinician orders the VAP® Cholesterol Test for a patient with a history of heart disease to assess their lipoprotein-associated phospholipase enzyme levels.
3. A patient with multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease undergoes the VAP® Cholesterol Test to obtain more specific information on their lipoprotein profile.
4. A physician orders the VAP® Cholesterol Test for a patient with a family history of high cholesterol to assess their lipoprotein subclasses.
5. A patient with persistent high LDL cholesterol levels undergoes the VAP® Cholesterol Test to further evaluate their lipoprotein profile.
6. A cardiologist utilizes the VAP® Cholesterol Test to assess the lipoprotein subclasses of a patient with uncontrolled hypertension.
7. A patient with metabolic syndrome undergoes the VAP® Cholesterol Test to obtain detailed information on their lipoprotein profile.
8. A primary care physician orders the VAP® Cholesterol Test for a patient with diabetes to assess their lipoprotein-associated phospholipase enzyme levels.
9. A patient with a family history of cardiovascular disease undergoes the VAP® Cholesterol Test to evaluate their lipoprotein subclasses.
10. A clinician orders the VAP® Cholesterol Test for a patient with obesity to assess their lipoprotein profile.