How To Use CPT Code 82232

CPT 82232 describes the measurement of beta-2 microglobulin, typically in serum, cerebral spinal fluid, 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 82232?

CPT 82232 can be used to measure the level of beta-2 microglobulin in serum, cerebral spinal fluid, or urine. This test is commonly performed to evaluate renal disease, certain leukemias, and to check for increases seen in Crohn’s disease, sarcoidosis, viral infections, and certain malignancies.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82232 is the measurement of beta-2 microglobulin, usually in serum, spinal fluid, or urine, using a radioimmunoassay technique. Beta-2 microglobulin is a small polymorphic protein that is a component of the class I HLA complex and is useful in the evaluation and progression monitoring of various disease conditions.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst quantitatively measures the level of beta-2 microglobulin using a radioimmunoassay technique.
2. The test is typically performed on serum, cerebral spinal fluid, or urine samples.
3. A gamma-radioactive tagged isotope is used to allow precise measurement using a gamma counter.
4. The level of beta-2 microglobulin is then determined and reported.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82232 is performed to evaluate and monitor various disease conditions, such as renal disease, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, hepatitis, and other malignancies. It is typically ordered by healthcare professionals to assess the activity of these diseases and guide treatment decisions.

5. When to use CPT code 82232

CPT code 82232 should be used when there is a clinical need to measure the level of beta-2 microglobulin in serum, cerebral spinal fluid, or urine. It is appropriate to use this code when evaluating renal disease, certain leukemias, and checking for increases seen in Crohn’s disease, sarcoidosis, viral infections, and certain malignancies.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82232, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Reason for ordering the test and the specific disease condition being evaluated
• Type of sample (serum, cerebral spinal fluid, or urine) used for the test
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the beta-2 microglobulin measurement
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82232, ensure that the test is performed using a radioimmunoassay technique to measure the level of beta-2 microglobulin. It is important to follow the specific documentation requirements and guidelines provided by the payer. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 82232 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 82232 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 healthcare professional orders CPT 82232 to measure the level of beta-2 microglobulin in a patient with suspected renal disease.
2. A lab analyst performs CPT 82232 to evaluate the activity of chronic lymphocytic leukemia in a patient.
3. CPT 82232 is used to check for increases in beta-2 microglobulin levels in a patient with Crohn’s disease.
4. A healthcare professional orders CPT 82232 to assess the progression of sarcoidosis in a patient.
5. CPT 82232 is performed to measure beta-2 microglobulin levels in a patient with suspected malignancy.
6. A lab analyst uses CPT 82232 to evaluate the activity of hepatitis in a patient.
7. CPT 82232 is ordered to monitor the response to treatment in a patient with renal disease.
8. A healthcare professional orders CPT 82232 to assess the progression of chronic lymphocytic leukemia in a patient.
9. CPT 82232 is used to check for increases in beta-2 microglobulin levels in a patient with suspected viral infection.
10. A lab analyst performs CPT 82232 to measure beta-2 microglobulin levels in a patient with suspected malignancy.