How To Use CPT Code 82164

CPT 82164 describes the measurement of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) in serum or plasma. 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 82164?

CPT 82164 can be used to measure the level of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) in serum or plasma. This code is used when a lab analyst performs a quantitative measurement of ACE using a method such as radioimmunoassay. ACE is responsible for converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which plays a role in regulating blood pressure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82164 is: ‘Measurement of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) in serum or plasma.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs a measurement of ACE in serum or plasma using a method such as radioimmunoassay.
2. The measurement is done quantitatively, allowing for a precise assessment of ACE levels.
3. A gamma-radioactive tagged isotope is used in the radioimmunoassay, which enables accurate measurement using a gamma counter.
4. The measurement helps determine the level of ACE in the patient’s blood, which is important for assessing their blood pressure regulation.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82164 is used when there is a need to measure the level of ACE in serum or plasma. This may be necessary for patients with conditions related to blood pressure regulation, such as hypertension. The measurement is performed by a lab analyst using a method like radioimmunoassay, which allows for a precise assessment of ACE levels.

5. When to use CPT code 82164

CPT code 82164 should be used when there is a clinical need to measure the level of ACE in serum or plasma. This may be necessary for patients with suspected or diagnosed conditions related to blood pressure regulation, such as hypertension. The measurement helps in assessing the patient’s ACE levels and can aid in the management of their condition.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82164, the documentation should include:

• Indication for measuring ACE levels in serum or plasma
• Method used for the measurement, such as radioimmunoassay
• Date and time of the measurement
• Results of the ACE measurement
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the measurement

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82164, ensure that the measurement of ACE in serum or plasma is performed by a lab analyst using a method like radioimmunoassay. The documentation should support the medical necessity of the measurement. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding the appropriate use of CPT code 82164.

8. Historical information

CPT 82164 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs a measurement of ACE in serum to assess the blood pressure regulation of a patient with hypertension.
2. Using radioimmunoassay, a lab analyst quantitatively measures the level of ACE in plasma to aid in the diagnosis of a patient with suspected blood pressure abnormalities.
3. As part of a research study, ACE levels in serum are measured using a gamma counter to investigate their correlation with cardiovascular health.
4. A patient with a history of ACE inhibitor medication undergoes a measurement of ACE in plasma to monitor their response to the treatment.
5. Following a heart transplant, a patient’s ACE levels in serum are measured to assess the success of the procedure and the patient’s overall cardiovascular health.
6. A lab analyst performs a measurement of ACE in plasma to investigate the potential role of ACE in the development of certain cardiovascular diseases.
7. As part of a routine health check-up, a physician orders a measurement of ACE in serum to assess the patient’s blood pressure regulation.
8. A patient with symptoms of hypertension undergoes a measurement of ACE in plasma to aid in the diagnosis and management of their condition.
9. During a clinical trial, ACE levels in serum are measured using radioimmunoassay to evaluate the effectiveness of a new antihypertensive medication.
10. A lab analyst performs a measurement of ACE in plasma to assess the blood pressure regulation of a patient with a family history of cardiovascular diseases.