How To Use CPT Code 82300

CPT 82300 describes the measurement of cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, in a patient’s blood or urine sample. 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 82300?

CPT 82300 is used to measure the levels of cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, in a patient’s blood or urine sample. This code is typically used when there is a suspicion of acute intoxication or chronic exposure to cadmium. Cadmium is commonly found in industrial and manufacturing settings.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82300 is: ‘Measurement of cadmium.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst quantitatively measures the cadmium levels in the patient’s blood or urine sample.
2. This measurement is usually done using a method such as atomic absorption spectroscopy, which involves the absorption of spectral radiation by free cadmium atoms in a gaseous state.
3. It is important for the analyst to avoid testing within 96 hours after the patient has received a contrast medium or iodine-containing solutions used in certain imaging contrast studies.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82300 is used when there is a suspicion of acute intoxication or chronic exposure to cadmium. The test is typically ordered by a healthcare provider who suspects that the patient has been exposed to cadmium due to their occupation or environmental factors. The test can be performed on both blood and urine samples.

5. When to use CPT code 82300

CPT code 82300 should be used when there is a clinical suspicion of acute intoxication or chronic exposure to cadmium. It is important to consider the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and occupational or environmental exposure when determining the need for this test. This code should not be used for routine screening purposes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82300, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Clinical indication for the test, including the suspicion of acute intoxication or chronic exposure to cadmium
• Type of sample tested (blood or urine)
• Date and time of the test
• Method used for measurement (e.g., atomic absorption spectroscopy)
• Any relevant information about the patient’s occupational or environmental exposure to cadmium
• Signature of the healthcare provider ordering the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82300, ensure that the test is performed to measure cadmium levels in the patient’s blood or urine sample. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding the appropriate use of this code. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid reporting CPT 82300 within 96 hours after the patient has received a contrast medium or iodine-containing solutions used in certain imaging contrast studies.

8. Historical information

CPT 82300 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 patient who works in a battery manufacturing plant undergoes a blood test to measure their cadmium levels.
2. A patient with a history of chronic exposure to cadmium due to living near an industrial area provides a urine sample for cadmium measurement.
3. A healthcare provider suspects acute cadmium intoxication in a patient who accidentally ingested a cadmium-containing substance, and orders a blood test.
4. A patient who works in a metal smelting facility undergoes regular urine tests to monitor their cadmium levels.
5. A patient with symptoms of cadmium toxicity, such as nausea and fatigue, undergoes a blood test to confirm the diagnosis.
6. A healthcare provider orders a urine test to measure cadmium levels in a patient who lives in an area with high environmental cadmium contamination.
7. A patient who frequently handles cadmium-containing materials at work undergoes regular blood tests to monitor their exposure levels.
8. A healthcare provider suspects chronic cadmium exposure in a patient with unexplained kidney dysfunction and orders a urine test.
9. A patient who works in a ceramic manufacturing plant provides a blood sample for cadmium measurement as part of a routine occupational health screening.
10. A healthcare provider orders a urine test to measure cadmium levels in a patient who experienced an industrial accident involving cadmium exposure.