How To Use CPT Code 82040
CPT 82040 describes the measurement of albumin in a serum, plasma, or whole blood 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 82040?
CPT 82040 can be used to measure the level of albumin in a serum, plasma, or whole blood specimen. This test is commonly performed using spectrophotometry or nephelometry, which involves measuring the amount of light absorbed or the turbidity of the sample. The albumin test is important in determining dehydration, starvation, malnutrition, malabsorption, and liver function.
2. Official Description
The official description of CPT code 82040 is: ‘Albumin; serum, plasma or whole blood.’
3. Procedure
- The lab analyst collects a serum, plasma, or whole blood specimen from the patient.
- The specimen is then subjected to quantitative measurement of albumin using spectrophotometry or nephelometry.
- The lab analyst records the results of the albumin test.
4. Qualifying circumstances
CPT 82040 is used when there is a need to measure the level of albumin in a patient’s serum, plasma, or whole blood specimen. This test is commonly ordered to assess dehydration, starvation, malnutrition, malabsorption, and liver function. It is important to note that if the albumin test is already included in a comprehensive metabolic panel, renal function panel, or hepatic function panel, it should not be billed separately to avoid overcharging.
5. When to use CPT code 82040
CPT code 82040 should be used when there is a specific order to measure the level of albumin in a patient’s serum, plasma, or whole blood specimen. It is not appropriate to use this code if the albumin test is already included in a comprehensive metabolic panel, renal function panel, or hepatic function panel.
6. Documentation requirements
To support a claim for CPT 82040, the lab analyst must document the following information:
- Patient’s name and identification number
- Date and time of specimen collection
- Methodology used for the albumin test (e.g., spectrophotometry, nephelometry)
- Results of the albumin test
- Signature of the lab analyst performing the test
7. Billing guidelines
When billing for CPT 82040, ensure that the test is performed on a serum, plasma, or whole blood specimen. It is important to note that if the albumin test is already included in a comprehensive metabolic panel, renal function panel, or hepatic function panel, it should not be reported separately to avoid overcharging. Additionally, if the performing lab is a CLIA waived facility, modifier QW should be appended to the billing code.
8. Historical information
CPT 82040 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was later changed on January 1, 2009 to specify that it applies to albumin testing in serum only.
9. Examples
- A lab analyst measuring the albumin level in a serum specimen to assess a patient’s liver function.
- A physician ordering an albumin test in a plasma specimen to evaluate a patient’s nutritional status.
- A nurse collecting a whole blood specimen for albumin testing to monitor a patient’s hydration level.
- A lab technician performing an albumin test in a serum specimen to investigate a patient’s malabsorption issues.
- A healthcare provider ordering an albumin test in a plasma specimen to assess a patient’s starvation status.
- A lab analyst measuring the albumin level in a whole blood specimen to evaluate a patient’s malnutrition.
- A physician ordering an albumin test in a serum specimen to determine a patient’s dehydration level.
- A nurse collecting a plasma specimen for albumin testing to monitor a patient’s liver function.
- A lab technician performing an albumin test in a whole blood specimen to investigate a patient’s nutritional deficiencies.
- A healthcare provider ordering an albumin test in a serum specimen to assess a patient’s malabsorption issues.
