How To Use CPT Code 80164

CPT 80164 describes the measurement of total valproic acid, also known as dipropylacetic acid, 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 80164?

CPT 80164 can be used to measure the concentration of total valproic acid, also known as dipropylacetic acid, in the blood. This code is used when a lab analyst performs a test to determine the amount of valproic acid in a patient’s specimen, typically serum or plasma. The test helps monitor the drug concentration and ensure it is within the therapeutic range for patients on valproic acid therapy.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 80164 is: ‘Valproic acid (dipropylacetic acid); total.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a patient specimen, typically serum or plasma.
2. The lab analyst performs a test, such as radioimmunoassay, to measure the concentration of total valproic acid in the specimen.
3. The test involves quantitating the binding of a radiolabeled substance to an antibody specific to valproic acid.
4. The amount of radioactivity that the antibody binds indicates the concentration of valproic acid in the specimen.
5. The lab analyst records the test results and determines whether the drug concentration is within the therapeutic range.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 80164 is used when the lab analyst measures the concentration of total valproic acid in the blood. This test is performed for patients who are on valproic acid therapy to monitor the drug concentration and ensure it is within the therapeutic range. The specimen used is typically serum or plasma, and the lab analyst may use a methodology such as radioimmunoassay to perform the test.

5. When to use CPT code 80164

CPT code 80164 should be used when the lab analyst measures the concentration of total valproic acid in the blood. It is appropriate for patients who are on valproic acid therapy and require monitoring of the drug concentration. This code should not be used when measuring the concentration of free valproic acid in the blood, which is represented by CPT code 80165.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 80164, 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
• Test results indicating the concentration of total valproic acid
• Interpretation of the results and whether the drug concentration is within the therapeutic range
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 80164, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst and that the concentration of total valproic acid is measured. This code should not be reported with CPT codes 80165 or any other codes related to valproic acid measurement. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer for accurate billing and reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 80164 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. The code was later updated on January 1, 2015, with a change in the description from ‘Dipropylacetic acid (valproic acid)’ to ‘Valproic acid (dipropylacetic acid); total.’

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst measures the concentration of total valproic acid in the blood of a patient on valproic acid therapy.
2. A patient’s serum specimen is collected, and a lab analyst performs a test to determine the amount of valproic acid in the blood.
3. The test results show the concentration of total valproic acid, indicating whether the drug concentration is within the therapeutic range.
4. A lab analyst records the test results and provides an interpretation of the findings.
5. The lab analyst’s signature is included on the documentation to verify the performance of the test.
6. A patient’s plasma specimen is analyzed using radioimmunoassay to measure the concentration of total valproic acid.
7. The lab analyst compares the test results to the therapeutic range to determine the adequacy of valproic acid therapy.
8. Documentation includes the patient’s identification, date and time of specimen collection, and the methodology used for the test.
9. A lab analyst performs a test to measure the concentration of total valproic acid in a patient’s serum specimen.
10. The test results indicate the amount of valproic acid present in the blood, aiding in the management of the patient’s therapy.