How To Use CPT Code 82044

CPT 82044 describes the procedure for assessing the presence of albumin or microalbumin in a urine specimen using a semiquantitative lab method, such as a reagent strip assay. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 82044?

CPT 82044 can be used to assess the presence of albumin or microalbumin in a urine specimen using a semiquantitative lab method, specifically a reagent strip assay. This code is used when a healthcare professional performs the test to rapidly evaluate kidney function in an office or lab setting.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82044 is: ‘Albumin; urine (eg, microalbumin), semiquantitative (eg, reagent strip assay).’ This code is used to indicate the performance of a semiquantitative lab method, such as a reagent strip assay, to detect the presence of albumin or microalbumin in a urine specimen.

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare professional collects a urine specimen from the patient.
2. A reagent strip assay, which does not require a chemistry analyzer or other instrument, is used to assess the presence of albumin or microalbumin in the urine specimen.
3. The reagent strip is dipped into the urine specimen, allowing it to react with any albumin or microalbumin present.
4. The strip is then compared to a graph or color chart that accompanies the product, enabling the healthcare professional to determine the semiquantitative level of albumin or microalbumin in the urine.
5. The results of the test are recorded and used to evaluate kidney function or monitor the progression of certain conditions.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82044 is used when a healthcare professional performs a semiquantitative urine albumin or microalbumin test using a reagent strip assay. This test is typically performed in an office or lab setting to assess kidney function or monitor certain conditions. It is important to note that for quantitative urine albumin testing, a different CPT code, 82043, should be used.

5. When to use CPT code 82044

CPT code 82044 should be used when a healthcare professional performs a semiquantitative urine albumin or microalbumin test using a reagent strip assay. This code is appropriate for assessing kidney function or monitoring certain conditions. It should not be used for quantitative urine albumin testing, which requires a different CPT code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 82044, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Indication for performing the test
• Date of the test
• Results of the test, including the semiquantitative level of albumin or microalbumin in the urine
• Signature of the healthcare professional performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 82044, ensure that the healthcare professional performs a semiquantitative urine albumin or microalbumin test using a reagent strip assay. If the performing lab is a CLIA waived facility and the test is listed as a CLIA waived test by CMS, append modifier QW to the billing code. It is important to note that CPT code 82044 should not be reported with other codes, such as CPT codes 82043 or 84134, which are used for different types of albumin testing.

8. Historical information

CPT code 82044 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. The code was later changed on January 1, 2018, to include the specific mention of microalbumin in the description.

9. Examples

1. A lab assistant performing a semiquantitative urine albumin test using a reagent strip assay to assess kidney function in a patient with diabetes.
2. A healthcare professional using a reagent strip assay to perform a semiquantitative urine microalbumin test and monitor the progression of kidney disease in a patient with hypertension.
3. A nurse collecting a urine specimen and performing a semiquantitative urine albumin test using a reagent strip assay to evaluate kidney function in a patient with lupus.
4. A medical technologist conducting a semiquantitative urine microalbumin test using a reagent strip assay to monitor the effectiveness of treatment in a patient with chronic kidney disease.
5. A physician performing a semiquantitative urine albumin test using a reagent strip assay to assess kidney function in a patient with heart failure.
6. A healthcare professional using a reagent strip assay to perform a semiquantitative urine microalbumin test and monitor the progression of kidney disease in a patient with obesity.
7. A lab technician performing a semiquantitative urine albumin test using a reagent strip assay to evaluate kidney function in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.
8. A nurse practitioner collecting a urine specimen and performing a semiquantitative urine microalbumin test using a reagent strip assay to monitor the effectiveness of treatment in a patient with diabetic nephropathy.
9. A medical technologist conducting a semiquantitative urine albumin test using a reagent strip assay to assess kidney function in a patient with polycystic kidney disease.
10. A physician performing a semiquantitative urine microalbumin test using a reagent strip assay to evaluate kidney function in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.