How To Use CPT Code 82013

CPT 82013 describes the quantitative measurement of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that hydrolyzes the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. 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 82013?

CPT 82013 can be used to describe the quantitative measurement of acetylcholinesterase, also known as acetylhydrolase. This enzyme plays a crucial role in hydrolyzing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Lab personnel use colorimetric or spectrophotometric instruments to quantitatively measure the level of acetylcholinesterase in various samples, such as serum, plasma, red blood cells, or amniotic fluid.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82013 is: ‘Acetylcholinesterase; quantitative.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst selects the appropriate sample, such as serum, plasma, red blood cells, or amniotic fluid, depending on the purpose of the testing.
2. Using colorimetric or spectrophotometric instruments, the lab analyst quantitatively measures the level of acetylcholinesterase in the sample.
3. The colorimetric method involves comparing the color that develops in the tested sample solution to a standard solution, while spectrophotometry measures the light intensity of a specific wavelength that the sample transmits.
4. The lab analyst records the quantitative measurement of acetylcholinesterase in the sample.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82013 is typically used in the diagnosis of anemia disorders, such as spherocytosis and thalassemias. It can also be helpful in assessing patients with exposure to insecticides, as lowered levels of acetylcholinesterase may indicate such exposure. The test is performed by lab personnel using colorimetric or spectrophotometric instruments.

5. When to use CPT code 82013

CPT code 82013 should be used when there is a need to quantitatively measure the level of acetylcholinesterase in a sample. It is appropriate for diagnosing anemia disorders and assessing patients with potential insecticide exposure. This code should be used when the testing method involves colorimetry or spectrophotometry.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82013, the documentation should include:

• The reason for performing the test, such as suspected anemia disorders or exposure to insecticides
• The type of sample used for testing, such as serum, plasma, red blood cells, or amniotic fluid
• The quantitative measurement of acetylcholinesterase in the sample
• The testing method employed, whether colorimetry or spectrophotometry

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82013, ensure that the test is performed by lab personnel using colorimetric or spectrophotometric instruments. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT code 82013 with other codes. However, it is important to follow any applicable bundling or unbundling rules and to provide accurate documentation to support the medical necessity of the test.

8. Historical information

CPT 82013 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs a quantitative measurement of acetylcholinesterase in a patient’s plasma sample to assess their potential exposure to insecticides.
2. Using colorimetric instruments, lab personnel quantitatively measure the level of acetylcholinesterase in a sample of amniotic fluid to aid in the diagnosis of anemia disorders in a pregnant patient.
3. Lab technicians employ spectrophotometric instruments to quantitatively measure the level of acetylcholinesterase in a patient’s red blood cell sample, helping to diagnose a suspected thalassemia.
4. By comparing the color that develops in a tested serum sample to a standard solution, lab analysts quantitatively measure the level of acetylcholinesterase, aiding in the diagnosis of spherocytosis.
5. Lab personnel use spectrophotometry to measure the light intensity of a specific wavelength transmitted by a plasma sample, providing a quantitative measurement of acetylcholinesterase for diagnostic purposes.
6. A lab analyst performs a colorimetric analysis to compare the color developed in a patient’s plasma sample to a standard solution, quantitatively measuring the level of acetylcholinesterase to assess their exposure to insecticides.
7. Using spectrophotometric instruments, lab personnel measure the light intensity of a specific wavelength transmitted by a red blood cell sample, providing a quantitative measurement of acetylcholinesterase to aid in the diagnosis of a suspected thalassemia.
8. Lab technicians employ colorimetry to compare the color developed in a tested serum sample to a standard solution, quantitatively measuring the level of acetylcholinesterase for diagnostic purposes.
9. By using spectrophotometry, lab analysts measure the light intensity of a specific wavelength transmitted by a plasma sample, providing a quantitative measurement of acetylcholinesterase to aid in the diagnosis of spherocytosis.
10. A lab analyst performs a colorimetric analysis to compare the color developed in a patient’s amniotic fluid sample to a standard solution, quantitatively measuring the level of acetylcholinesterase to aid in the diagnosis of anemia disorders in a pregnant patient.