How To Use CPT Code 80178

CPT 80178 describes the laboratory test used to quantitate the amount of lithium present in a patient’s specimen. 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 80178?

CPT 80178 can be used to describe the laboratory test performed by a lab analyst to measure the level of lithium present in a patient’s specimen. This test is commonly ordered by clinicians to monitor the lithium levels in patients being treated for manic depressive disorders, such as bipolar disease. The test helps ensure that the patient is receiving the correct dose of lithium medication.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 80178 is: ‘Lithium; serum or urine.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical steps to analyze the patient’s specimen, which is usually serum or urine.
2. The analyst may use spectrometry analysis to separate and measure the amount of lithium present in the specimen.
3. The test results provide a quantitation of the lithium level in the patient’s specimen.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 80178 is typically ordered for patients who are being treated with lithium medication for manic depressive disorders. The test helps clinicians ensure that the patient is receiving the correct dose of lithium and avoids toxicity or damage to organs and tissues. The specimen collected for the test is usually serum or urine.

5. When to use CPT code 80178

CPT code 80178 should be used when a clinician orders a laboratory test to measure the level of lithium in a patient’s specimen. This test is commonly ordered for patients being treated with lithium medication to monitor their lithium levels and ensure appropriate dosing.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 80178, the documentation should include:

• Order from the clinician for the lithium test
• Specimen type (serum or urine)
• Date and time of specimen collection
• Test results indicating the quantitation of lithium level
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 80178, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst and that the appropriate specimen type (serum or urine) is indicated. It is important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer. Some payers may also separately reimburse for the collection of the specimen using a different CPT code.

8. Historical information

CPT 80178 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 lab analyst performing a lithium test on a patient’s serum specimen to monitor their lithium levels.
2. A clinician ordering a urine lithium test to ensure the correct dosing of lithium medication for a patient with bipolar disorder.
3. A lab analyst using spectrometry analysis to measure the amount of lithium present in a patient’s urine specimen.
4. A patient undergoing regular lithium tests to monitor their lithium levels and adjust their medication dosage accordingly.
5. A clinician ordering a serum lithium test for a patient with a history of lithium toxicity to ensure their current dose is within the therapeutic range.
6. A lab analyst performing a lithium test on a urine specimen collected from a patient being treated for a manic depressive disorder.
7. A clinician ordering a lithium test to assess the effectiveness of the patient’s current lithium medication dosage.
8. A lab analyst quantitating the amount of lithium present in a patient’s serum specimen using spectrometry analysis.
9. A patient undergoing routine lithium tests to maintain the appropriate dosage of their medication.
10. A clinician ordering a urine lithium test to monitor the patient’s lithium levels and adjust their medication as needed.