How To Use CPT Code 82248

CPT 82248 describes the measurement of direct bilirubin in a patient’s blood. 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 82248?

CPT 82248 can be used to measure the amount of direct bilirubin in a patient’s blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment found in the bile, which is produced by the liver. Direct bilirubin is a water-soluble form of bilirubin that can dissolve in water. This code is used when a lab analyst performs a test to determine the concentration of direct bilirubin in a patient specimen, typically blood. The test may involve colorimetric analysis, where a color reagent is added to the solution and the intensity of the color is measured to determine the concentration of direct bilirubin.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82248 is: ‘Bilirubin; direct.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a patient specimen, typically blood, for testing.
2. The lab analyst performs a test to measure the amount of direct bilirubin in the specimen.
3. The test may involve colorimetric analysis, where a color reagent is added to the solution and the intensity of the color is measured to determine the concentration of direct bilirubin.
4. The lab analyst records the results of the test.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82248 is used when a clinician orders a bilirubin test for a patient who has symptoms of abnormal liver function. The test helps in diagnosing conditions such as jaundice, which is characterized by an increase in bilirubin levels in the blood, causing a yellowing of the skin, eyes, and body fluids. This code may be used in conjunction with other liver enzyme tests to assess liver function comprehensively.

5. When to use CPT code 82248

CPT code 82248 should be used when a lab analyst performs a test to measure the amount of direct bilirubin in a patient’s blood. It is important to note that this code is specifically for measuring direct bilirubin and should not be used for measuring total bilirubin, which has a separate code (CPT 82247).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 82248, the following documentation is required:

• Order from the clinician for the bilirubin test
• Results of the direct bilirubin test
• Any additional relevant documentation, such as clinical notes or medical history

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 82248, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst and that the results are recorded. It is important to note that some payers may separately reimburse for the collection of the specimen using a different code, such as CPT code 36415 for venous blood collection.

8. Historical information

CPT code 82248 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 measures the amount of direct bilirubin in a patient’s blood using colorimetric analysis.
2. A clinician orders a bilirubin test for a patient with symptoms of jaundice, and the lab analyst performs a direct bilirubin test to assess liver function.
3. A lab analyst records the results of a direct bilirubin test for a patient who underwent liver function testing.
4. A patient with suspected liver disease undergoes a direct bilirubin test, and the lab analyst measures the concentration of direct bilirubin in the patient’s blood.
5. A lab analyst performs a direct bilirubin test on a patient’s blood sample to assist in diagnosing the cause of abnormal liver function.
6. A clinician orders a direct bilirubin test for a newborn with jaundice to assess liver function and determine the appropriate treatment.
7. A lab analyst measures the concentration of direct bilirubin in a patient’s blood to monitor the effectiveness of liver disease treatment.
8. A patient with symptoms of abnormal liver function undergoes a direct bilirubin test, and the lab analyst provides the results to the clinician for further evaluation.
9. A lab analyst performs a direct bilirubin test on a patient’s blood sample as part of a comprehensive liver function panel.
10. A clinician orders a direct bilirubin test for a patient with suspected liver disease, and the lab analyst performs the test to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.