How To Use CPT Code 82140

CPT 82140 describes the measurement of ammonia in the blood, plasma, 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 82140?

CPT 82140 can be used to measure the levels of ammonia in the blood, plasma, or other body fluids. This code is used when a lab analyst performs a quantitative measurement of ammonia using an ion-selective electrode. Elevated levels of ammonia in the blood are often indicative of an infectious process.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82140 is: ‘Measurement of ammonia in blood, plasma, or other body fluids.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs a quantitative measurement of ammonia in the blood, plasma, or other body fluids.
2. This is done using an ion-selective electrode, which measures the voltage from a transducer to determine the amount of ammonia in the solution.
3. Providers consider this test to be a liver function test, as elevated levels of ammonia can indicate liver dysfunction.
4. Increased protein intake may also lead to higher ammonia levels.
5. Special collection and handling of the specimen are required to ensure accurate results.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82140 is used when there is a need to measure the levels of ammonia in the blood, plasma, or other body fluids. Providers may order this test when they suspect liver dysfunction or an infectious process. Symptoms of increased ammonia levels can include seizures, vomiting, hyperventilation, irritability, neurologic disorders, and epilepsy.

5. When to use CPT code 82140

CPT code 82140 should be used when there is a clinical need to measure the levels of ammonia in the blood, plasma, or other body fluids. It is appropriate to bill this code when the lab analyst performs the quantitative measurement using an ion-selective electrode. This code should not be used for other types of ammonia testing or for unrelated procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82140, the following documentation is required:

• Indication for the ammonia measurement, such as suspected liver dysfunction or infectious process
• Method used for the measurement, specifically the ion-selective electrode
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the ammonia measurement
• Any relevant clinical information or symptoms reported by the patient

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82140, ensure that the measurement of ammonia in the blood, plasma, or other body fluids is performed using an ion-selective electrode. This code should not be reported with other unrelated codes. Providers should follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer for accurate billing and reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 82140 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 lab analyst performs a measurement of ammonia in the blood of a patient suspected to have liver dysfunction.
2. An ion-selective electrode is used to measure the levels of ammonia in the plasma of a patient with symptoms of an infectious process.
3. A provider orders a measurement of ammonia in other body fluids to investigate the cause of elevated ammonia levels in a patient.
4. A lab analyst performs a measurement of ammonia in the blood of a patient with seizures and neurologic disorders.
5. An ion-selective electrode is used to measure the levels of ammonia in the plasma of a patient with epilepsy.
6. A provider orders a measurement of ammonia in other body fluids to monitor the progress of a patient with liver dysfunction.
7. A lab analyst performs a measurement of ammonia in the blood of a patient with symptoms of an infectious process.
8. An ion-selective electrode is used to measure the levels of ammonia in the plasma of a patient suspected to have liver dysfunction.
9. A provider orders a measurement of ammonia in other body fluids to investigate the cause of elevated ammonia levels in a patient.
10. A lab analyst performs a measurement of ammonia in the blood of a patient with seizures and neurologic disorders.