How To Use CPT Code 80162

CPT 80162 describes the measurement of total digoxin in the blood. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 80162?

CPT 80162 can be used to measure the concentration of total digoxin in a patient’s blood. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside commonly used to treat congestive heart failure and slow heart rate in patients. This code is used when a lab analyst performs a test to determine the amount of digoxin present in a patient’s specimen, typically serum or blood.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 80162 is: ‘Digoxin; total.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a specimen, usually serum or blood, from the patient.
2. The lab analyst performs a test, such as radioimmunoassay, to measure the concentration of total digoxin in the specimen.
3. The test involves quantitating the binding of a radiolabeled substance to an antibody specific to digoxin.
4. The amount of radioactivity that the antibody binds indicates the concentration of digoxin in the sample.
5. The lab analyst records the results of the test, which will determine the dosage adjustment of digoxin within the therapeutic range.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 80162 is used when a patient is on digoxin therapy and the lab analyst measures the concentration of total digoxin in their blood. This test is performed to monitor the drug’s concentration and ensure it is within the therapeutic range. It is important to maintain the appropriate digoxin concentration to avoid toxicity or inadequate treatment of cardiac pathology symptoms.

5. When to use CPT code 80162

CPT code 80162 should be used when the lab analyst measures the concentration of total digoxin in the blood. It is important to note that this code is specifically for total digoxin, and if the measurement is for free digoxin, a different code, such as 80163, should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 80162, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Patient’s name and identification
• Date and time of specimen collection
• Methodology used for the test, such as radioimmunoassay
• Results of the test indicating the concentration of total digoxin
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 80162, ensure that the test is performed by a qualified lab analyst and that the concentration of total digoxin is measured. It is important to use the appropriate code for free digoxin measurements, such as 80163, if applicable. Consider any additional guidelines provided by the payer or specific documentation requirements for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 80162 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. The code has undergone a change on January 1, 2015, with the description updated to ‘Digoxin; total.’

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst measures the concentration of total digoxin in the blood of a patient on digoxin therapy.
2. A physician orders a test to determine the amount of digoxin in a patient’s serum sample.
3. A patient with congestive heart failure undergoes a blood test to monitor the concentration of digoxin in their system.
4. A lab technician performs a radioimmunoassay to measure the total digoxin level in a patient’s blood.
5. A nurse collects a blood specimen from a patient to assess the concentration of digoxin in their bloodstream.
6. A cardiologist reviews the results of a total digoxin test to adjust the patient’s medication dosage.
7. A patient on digoxin therapy undergoes regular blood tests to ensure the drug concentration is within the therapeutic range.
8. A lab analyst quantitates the binding of a radiolabeled substance to an antibody specific to digoxin to determine the total digoxin concentration.
9. A healthcare provider orders a total digoxin test to assess the patient’s response to the medication.
10. A lab technician records the results of a total digoxin test, indicating the concentration of the drug in the patient’s blood.