How To Use CPT Code 82465

CPT 82465 describes the measurement of total cholesterol in a patient’s serum or whole 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 82465?

CPT 82465 can be used to measure the level of total cholesterol in a patient’s serum or whole blood. This code is used when a lab analyst performs a test to evaluate the patient for risk factors for high cholesterol and heart disease. The analysis of total serum cholesterol is also useful in the diagnosis of hepatic and thyroid diseases.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82465 is: ‘Cholesterol, serum or whole blood, total.’ Please note that for high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, a different code, 83718, should be used.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a specimen of serum or whole blood from the patient.
2. The lab analyst performs a test to measure the amount of total cholesterol in the specimen using an enzymatic methodology.
3. If necessary, the lab analyst may use a venipuncture technique to obtain the blood sample from the patient’s vein.
4. The enzymatic method used produces a color, and the intensity of the color is proportional to the concentration of cholesterol in the sample.
5. The lab analyst measures the color intensity and determines the level of total cholesterol in the patient’s specimen.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82465 is used when a patient needs to be evaluated for risk factors for high cholesterol and heart disease. It is also used in the diagnosis of hepatic and thyroid diseases. The test can be performed on either serum or whole blood specimens.

5. When to use CPT code 82465

CPT code 82465 should be used when a lab analyst measures the level of total cholesterol in a patient’s serum or whole blood. It is appropriate to bill this code when evaluating the patient for risk factors for high cholesterol and heart disease, as well as in the diagnosis of hepatic and thyroid diseases.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82465, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis or reason for the test
• Type of specimen collected (serum or whole blood)
• Date and time of specimen collection
• Methodology used for the test
• Results of the test, including the level of total cholesterol
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82465, ensure that the test is performed by a qualified lab analyst and that the appropriate specimen (serum or whole blood) is used. It is important to note that some payers may separately reimburse for the collection of the specimen using a different code, such as 36415 for venous blood collection by venipuncture.

8. Historical information

CPT 82465 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 measures the level of total cholesterol in a patient’s serum to evaluate their risk factors for high cholesterol and heart disease.
2. A patient undergoes a total cholesterol test on their whole blood specimen to aid in the diagnosis of hepatic and thyroid diseases.
3. A lab analyst performs a total cholesterol test on a serum sample to assess the patient’s cholesterol levels and determine their cardiovascular health.
4. A physician orders a total cholesterol test on a patient’s whole blood specimen to monitor their cholesterol levels and adjust their treatment plan accordingly.
5. A lab analyst measures the level of total cholesterol in a patient’s serum to assess their overall lipid profile and identify any abnormalities.
6. A patient undergoes a total cholesterol test on their whole blood specimen as part of a routine health check-up to evaluate their cardiovascular health.
7. A lab analyst performs a total cholesterol test on a serum sample to screen for potential risk factors for heart disease in a patient.
8. A physician orders a total cholesterol test on a patient’s whole blood specimen to assess their lipid profile and determine their risk for developing cardiovascular complications.
9. A lab analyst measures the level of total cholesterol in a patient’s serum to monitor the effectiveness of their cholesterol-lowering medication.
10. A patient undergoes a total cholesterol test on their whole blood specimen to evaluate their cholesterol levels and make necessary dietary and lifestyle modifications.