How To Use CPT Code 82139

CPT 82139 describes the quantitative analysis of 6 or more amino acids in a specimen, such as blood, plasma, urine, or other body fluids. 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 82139?

CPT 82139 is used to describe the quantitative analysis of 6 or more amino acids in a specimen, such as blood, plasma, urine, or other body fluids. This code is used when a lab analyst performs testing to determine if any of the amino acids are outside the normal limits. The results of this analysis can be diagnostic for an inborn error of metabolism, which can then be treated by dietary restriction or supplementation.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82139 is: ‘Amino acids, 6 or more amino acids, quantitative, each specimen.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs quantitative testing for 6 or more amino acids in a specimen, such as blood, plasma, urine, or other body fluids.
2. A chromatographic technique, such as gas-liquid, paper, thin-layer, or ion exchange method, is used to separate the sample and analyze the amino acid data.
3. The lab analyst injects or places the analyte into the instrument, which further analyzes and records the amino acid data.
4. If the results show that one or more amino acids are outside the normal limits, it could indicate an inborn error of metabolism.
5. The provider can then treat the patient by implementing dietary restriction or supplementation based on the specific amino acid abnormalities.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82139 is used when quantitative testing is performed for 6 or more amino acids in a specimen. This testing is usually done using a chromatographic technique, such as gas-liquid, paper, thin-layer, or ion exchange method. The results of this testing can be diagnostic for an inborn error of metabolism, which is a genetic or metabolic disease caused by a defect in a single gene that codes for a particular enzyme.

5. When to use CPT code 82139

CPT code 82139 should be used when quantitative analysis is performed for 6 or more amino acids in a specimen. This code is appropriate when the results of the analysis can help diagnose an inborn error of metabolism. It should not be used for qualitative testing of a single amino acid or qualitative testing of multiple amino acids.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82139, the following documentation is required:

• Identification of the specific amino acids tested for
• Details of the specimen used for testing (e.g., blood, plasma, urine)
• Method used for quantitative analysis (e.g., gas-liquid chromatography, paper chromatography)
• Date of the analysis
• Results of the analysis, including any amino acids that are outside the normal limits
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the testing

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82139, ensure that the testing is performed for 6 or more amino acids in a specimen. Use the appropriate CPT code for qualitative testing of a single amino acid (82127), qualitative testing of multiple amino acids (82128), testing of a single amino acid by quantitative analysis (82131), or testing of 2 to 5 amino acids by quantitative analysis (82136). It is important to note that CPT code 82139 should not be reported with other codes for the same testing performed in the previous seven days.

8. Historical information

CPT 82139 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1999. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs quantitative analysis of 6 or more amino acids in a blood specimen to diagnose an inborn error of metabolism.
2. Using a gas-liquid chromatography method, the lab analyst quantitatively tests for amino acids in a urine specimen to determine if any are outside the normal limits.
3. By performing quantitative analysis of 6 or more amino acids in a plasma specimen, the lab analyst helps diagnose an inborn error of metabolism in a patient.
4. Using a paper chromatography technique, the lab analyst quantitatively tests for amino acids in a body fluid specimen to identify any abnormalities.
5. The lab analyst performs quantitative analysis of 6 or more amino acids in a specimen, such as blood or plasma, to assist in the diagnosis of an inborn error of metabolism.
6. Using an ion exchange method, the lab analyst quantitatively tests for amino acids in a body fluid specimen to determine if any are outside the normal range.
7. A patient’s blood specimen is analyzed quantitatively for 6 or more amino acids by a lab analyst to aid in the diagnosis of an inborn error of metabolism.
8. The lab analyst performs quantitative analysis of amino acids in a urine specimen to identify any abnormalities that may indicate an inborn error of metabolism.
9. Using a gas-liquid chromatography technique, the lab analyst quantitatively tests for amino acids in a plasma specimen to assist in the diagnosis of a genetic or metabolic disease.
10. By performing quantitative analysis of 6 or more amino acids in a body fluid specimen, the lab analyst helps identify any abnormalities that may be indicative of an inborn error of metabolism.