How To Use CPT Code 82360

CPT 82360 describes the quantitative chemical analysis of calculus or stones to determine their composition. 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 82360?

CPT 82360 can be used to describe the quantitative chemical analysis of calculus or stones. This code is used when a lab analyst performs a chemical analysis to determine the actual chemical composition of the calculus or stone, including the amounts of each substance present. The composition of the calculus or stone can include calcium, carbonate, cystine, magnesium, oxalate, phosphates, urates, or xanthine.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82360 is: ‘Calculus; quantitative analysis, chemical.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst rinses the calculus or stone to remove any blood or contaminants that may affect the result.
2. A quantitative chemical analysis is performed to determine the actual chemical composition of the calculus or stone, including the amounts of each substance present.
3. The lab analyst selects the appropriate method for the quantitative chemical analysis, such as infrared spectroscopy or X-ray diffraction.
4. The lab analyst records the results of the analysis, providing the clinician with information that can guide treatment and help prevent additional stones.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82360 is performed when there is a need to determine the composition of a calculus or stone. This analysis is usually ordered by a clinician to guide treatment decisions and prevent future stones. The calculus or stone may contain substances such as calcium, carbonate, cystine, magnesium, oxalate, phosphates, urates, or xanthine.

5. When to use CPT code 82360

CPT code 82360 should be used when a quantitative chemical analysis is performed on a calculus or stone to determine its composition. This code is appropriate when the analysis is necessary for treatment decisions or to prevent future stones. It should not be used for qualitative analysis or other methodologies of calculus analysis.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 82360, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the quantitative chemical analysis
• Method used for the analysis, such as infrared spectroscopy or X-ray diffraction
• Date of the analysis
• Results of the analysis, including the composition of the calculus or stone and the amounts of each substance present

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 82360, ensure that the analysis is performed by a lab analyst and that the results are documented. This code should not be reported with other codes for qualitative analysis or other methodologies of calculus analysis. It is important to select the appropriate method for the analysis, such as infrared spectroscopy or X-ray diffraction, based on the specific circumstances of the case.

8. Historical information

CPT code 82360 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 quantitative chemical analysis on a calculus to determine its composition, including the amounts of calcium, oxalate, and phosphates present.
2. A clinician orders a quantitative chemical analysis on a stone to guide treatment decisions for a patient with recurrent kidney stones.
3. A lab analyst uses infrared spectroscopy to perform a quantitative chemical analysis on a calculus, identifying the presence of urates and xanthine.
4. A calculus is sent to the lab for a quantitative chemical analysis to determine its composition, including the amounts of carbonate and cystine present.
5. A lab analyst performs a quantitative chemical analysis on a stone, providing the clinician with information to prevent future stones by identifying the amounts of magnesium and oxalate present.
6. A clinician orders a quantitative chemical analysis on a calculus to guide treatment decisions for a patient with a history of calcium oxalate stones.
7. A lab analyst performs a quantitative chemical analysis on a stone, determining the composition and amounts of each substance present, including calcium and phosphates.
8. A calculus is analyzed using X-ray diffraction to perform a quantitative chemical analysis, providing the clinician with information to prevent future stones.
9. A lab analyst performs a quantitative chemical analysis on a stone, identifying the presence of urates and xanthine, which can guide treatment decisions for the patient.
10. A clinician orders a quantitative chemical analysis on a calculus to determine its composition, including the amounts of calcium and carbonate present, to guide treatment decisions.