How To Use CPT Code 82383

CPT 82383 describes the measurement of blood catecholamines, including epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. 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 82383?

CPT 82383 can be used to measure the levels of catecholamines in the blood. Catecholamines are hormones produced by the adrenal glands, including epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. This code is used when a lab analyst quantitatively measures the total blood level of catecholamines using high performance liquid chromatography. This test is commonly ordered to diagnose patients with unexplained or persistent hypertension, or for suspected adrenal or neuroendocrine tumors.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82383 is: ‘Catecholamines; blood.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a blood sample from the patient.
2. The blood sample is then analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography.
3. The sample is forced through a sorbent column and separated by a sensitive detector.
4. The levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine are quantitatively measured.
5. The results are reported to the healthcare provider for further interpretation and diagnosis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82383 is used when a patient requires measurement of their blood catecholamine levels. This test is commonly ordered for patients with unexplained or persistent hypertension, or for suspected adrenal or neuroendocrine tumors. It is important to note that this code should only be used for the measurement of catecholamines in the blood, and not for urine or fractionated catecholamines.

5. When to use CPT code 82383

CPT code 82383 should be used when a healthcare provider orders a blood test to measure the levels of catecholamines, including epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. This test is typically ordered for patients with unexplained or persistent hypertension, or for suspected adrenal or neuroendocrine tumors. It is important to ensure that the test is performed using high performance liquid chromatography and that the levels of all three catecholamines are measured.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 82383, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as unexplained or persistent hypertension, or suspicion of adrenal or neuroendocrine tumors
• Method used for the measurement, specifically high performance liquid chromatography
• Date and time of the blood sample collection
• Results of the catecholamine levels, including the specific levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine
• Signature of the lab analyst who performed the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 82383, ensure that the test is performed using high performance liquid chromatography to measure the levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the blood. It is important to note that CPT code 82383 should not be reported with other codes for urine or fractionated catecholamines. Additionally, it is recommended to review any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate and appropriate reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT code 82383 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 provider orders a blood test to measure the levels of catecholamines in a patient with unexplained hypertension.
2. A patient with suspected adrenal tumor undergoes a blood test to measure the levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
3. A healthcare provider orders a blood test to diagnose a patient with persistent hypertension and suspects a neuroendocrine tumor.
4. A patient with unexplained symptoms of catecholamine excess undergoes a blood test to measure the levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
5. A healthcare provider orders a blood test to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for a patient with a known adrenal tumor.
6. A patient with uncontrolled hypertension undergoes a blood test to measure the levels of catecholamines and assess their contribution to the condition.
7. A healthcare provider orders a blood test to evaluate a patient with symptoms suggestive of pheochromocytoma, a type of adrenal tumor.
8. A patient with unexplained episodic symptoms of high blood pressure undergoes a blood test to measure the levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
9. A healthcare provider orders a blood test to assess the function of the adrenal glands in a patient with suspected adrenal insufficiency.
10. A patient with a family history of neuroendocrine tumors undergoes a blood test to screen for the presence of these tumors.