How To Use CPT Code 1170F

CPT 1170F describes the assessment of functional status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 1170F?

CPT 1170F can be used to assess the functional status of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This code is used to evaluate the patient’s level of activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). The provider uses different measurement concepts and tools to determine the functional status of the individual, such as the index of independence in activities of daily living and the rapid disability rating scale.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 1170F is: ‘Functional status assessed (COA) (RA).’ This code is used to assess the functional status of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, including their ability to perform ADLs and IADLs.

3. Procedure

1. The provider assesses the functional status of the patient with rheumatoid arthritis.
2. The assessment may evaluate the patient’s level of activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL).
3. The provider uses different measurement concepts and tools, such as the index of independence in activities of daily living and the rapid disability rating scale, to determine the functional status of the patient.
4. The provider documents the functional status result of the patient and the date of the assessment in the patient’s record.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 1170F services are those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the joints, resulting in deformity, pain, and loss of function. The functional status assessment is a measure of the patient’s ability to function normally and carry out their daily activities. The assessment may evaluate the patient’s level of ADLs and IADLs, including their ability to perform tasks such as bathing, dressing, toileting, continence, feeding, transferring, shopping, driving, using public transportation, using the telephone, preparing meals, doing housework, home repair, laundry, taking medications, and handling finances.

5. When to use CPT code 1170F

CPT code 1170F should be used when assessing the functional status of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It is appropriate to bill this code when evaluating the patient’s ability to perform ADLs and IADLs. This code should not be used for patients without rheumatoid arthritis or for assessments unrelated to functional status.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 1170F, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis
• Specific measurement concepts and tools used to assess functional status
• Date of the assessment
• Functional status result of the patient

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 1170F, ensure that the assessment is performed on patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This code should not be reported with other codes unless medically necessary. Providers should follow the specific guidelines and requirements of the payer when submitting claims for CPT 1170F.

8. Historical information

CPT 1170F was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2010. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider assessing the functional status of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis to determine their level of activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL).
2. A caregiver using the rapid disability rating scale to evaluate the level of disability in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.
3. A provider documenting the patient’s ability to perform ADLs, such as bathing, dressing, and toileting, as part of the functional status assessment for rheumatoid arthritis.
4. A provider assessing the patient’s ability to perform IADLs, such as shopping, driving, and managing finances, to determine their functional status in rheumatoid arthritis.
5. A provider using the index of independence in activities of daily living to measure the patient’s ability to carry out basic functions of daily living in rheumatoid arthritis.
6. A caregiver summarizing the patient’s physical and mental functioning as part of the functional status assessment for rheumatoid arthritis.
7. A provider evaluating the patient’s physical self-maintenance scale to assess their self-care and mobility in rheumatoid arthritis.
8. A provider using the functional status assessment to determine the patient’s level of disability and need for assistance in rheumatoid arthritis.
9. A provider assessing the patient’s ability to manage medications and handle finances as part of the functional status assessment for rheumatoid arthritis.
10. A provider evaluating the patient’s ability to perform home repair and laundry as part of the functional status assessment for rheumatoid arthritis.