How To Use CPT Code 80176

CPT 80176 describes the analysis of lidocaine levels in a patient’s specimen, which is an anesthetic commonly used for heart arrhythmias. 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 80176?

CPT 80176 can be used to analyze the amount of lidocaine present in a patient’s specimen. Lidocaine is an anesthetic that clinicians often use topically or intravenously for heart arrhythmias and during open heart surgery. This code is used to measure the level of lidocaine in the specimen to ensure the correct dosage was prescribed to the patient.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 80176 is: ‘The lab analyst performs the technical lab test to analyze a specimen to quantitate the amount of lidocaine present, an anesthetic clinicians may also use for some heart arrhythmias.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs all technical steps to measure the level of lidocaine present in the patient’s specimen.
2. The most common specimen for this test is serum, which is obtained by the collecting provider as a separate procedure.
3. The lab test utilizes an immunoassay method, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), to detect the antigen-antibody reaction and quantify the lidocaine level.
4. The test may involve various steps, including reacting the specimen with test antibodies, incubating the mixture, adding an agent to detect the antigen-antibody complex, and quantifying the result.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 80176 is not limited to testing for a specific condition but is often ordered for patients with heart arrhythmias or those undergoing open heart surgery who have received lidocaine. The test helps clinicians ensure they have prescribed the correct dosage of lidocaine to the patient.

5. When to use CPT code 80176

CPT code 80176 should be used when analyzing lidocaine levels in a patient’s specimen. It is typically ordered for patients with heart arrhythmias or those undergoing open heart surgery who have received lidocaine. This code is not typically used for patients using lidocaine topically as an anesthetic.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 80176, the documentation should include:

• Patient’s diagnosis or indication for lidocaine administration
• Details of the specimen collected, such as serum
• Method of detection used, such as ELISA
• Quantification of the lidocaine level

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 80176, ensure that the lidocaine analysis is performed by a lab analyst. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding specimen collection, if applicable. Some payers may separately reimburse for specimen collection using a code such as 36415. It is important to review the payer’s policies and guidelines for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 80176 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with heart arrhythmias undergoes open heart surgery and receives lidocaine. CPT code 80176 is used to analyze the lidocaine levels in their serum specimen.
2. A clinician prescribes lidocaine to a patient with heart arrhythmias. CPT code 80176 is used to ensure the correct dosage of lidocaine was prescribed by analyzing the lidocaine levels in the patient’s specimen.
3. A patient receives lidocaine intravenously during open heart surgery. CPT code 80176 is used to measure the lidocaine levels in their serum specimen to ensure the appropriate dosage was administered.
4. A clinician uses lidocaine as a topical anesthetic for a patient. CPT code 80176 is not used in this case as it is typically not necessary to monitor lidocaine levels in patients using it topically.
5. A patient with heart arrhythmias is prescribed lidocaine. CPT code 80176 is used to analyze the lidocaine levels in their serum specimen to ensure the correct dosage was prescribed.