How To Use CPT Code 82088

CPT 82088 describes the quantitative measurement of aldosterone levels in serum, plasma, or urine. 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 82088?

CPT 82088 can be used to measure the level of aldosterone in a patient’s serum, plasma, or urine. This code is typically ordered by providers to determine the presence of primary or secondary hyperaldosteronism. Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid hormone produced in the adrenal cortex, which helps regulate water and sodium retention and potassium excretion.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82088 is the quantitative measurement of aldosterone levels in serum, plasma, or urine. It is important to note that alkaline phosphatase and alphaketoglutarate have their own specific CPT codes, and alpha tocopherol (Vitamin E) should be reported using code 84446.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs a quantitative measurement of aldosterone levels using sensitive instrumentation, such as radioimmunoassay or liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.
2. Radioimmunoassay involves using a tagged antigen and a gamma counter to measure the quantity of aldosterone in the patient’s sample.
3. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry separates and analyzes the sample, then uses sensitive detectors to quantitate the amount of aldosterone present.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82088 is ordered when providers need to evaluate primary or secondary hyperaldosteronism. This test is typically performed on patients with specific symptoms or conditions that may indicate an imbalance in aldosterone levels. The position of the patient during specimen collection and the time of day can also affect aldosterone levels, so proper collection instructions should be followed.

5. When to use CPT code 82088

CPT code 82088 should be used when providers need to measure aldosterone levels in serum, plasma, or urine to evaluate primary or secondary hyperaldosteronism. It is important to note that code 80408 should be used if the testing is for an aldosterone suppression evaluation panel, as this panel includes additional tests for renin.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82088, providers must document the following information:

• Patient’s symptoms or conditions indicating the need for aldosterone level measurement
• Specific specimen type used (serum, plasma, or urine)
• Methodology used for the measurement (radioimmunoassay or liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry)
• Date and time of specimen collection
• Any special instructions followed for specimen collection

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82088, ensure that the test is performed to measure aldosterone levels in serum, plasma, or urine. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting this code and to consider any additional tests or panels that may be necessary for a comprehensive evaluation. Modifier TC should be used by the facility, and modifier 26 should be used by the professional performing the test.

8. Historical information

CPT 82088 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with symptoms of primary hyperaldosteronism undergoes a quantitative measurement of aldosterone levels in their serum.
2. A provider orders a test to measure aldosterone levels in the plasma of a patient with suspected secondary hyperaldosteronism.
3. A urine sample is collected from a patient with symptoms of aldosterone imbalance for the quantitative measurement of aldosterone levels.
4. A patient with specific conditions indicating the need for aldosterone level measurement undergoes a radioimmunoassay to determine their aldosterone levels in serum.
5. A provider orders a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry test to quantitate the amount of aldosterone in the plasma of a patient with suspected hyperaldosteronism.
6. A urine sample is collected from a patient at a specific time of day to measure their aldosterone levels using radioimmunoassay.
7. A provider orders a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry test to measure aldosterone levels in the serum of a patient with symptoms of aldosterone imbalance.
8. A patient with suspected primary hyperaldosteronism undergoes a quantitative measurement of aldosterone levels in their plasma.
9. A urine sample is collected from a patient with specific symptoms indicating the need for aldosterone level measurement using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.
10. A provider orders a radioimmunoassay to measure aldosterone levels in the serum of a patient with suspected secondary hyperaldosteronism.