How To Use CPT Code 82495

CPT 82495 describes the measurement of chromium levels in a patient’s blood specimen to evaluate for chromium poisoning or deficiency. 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 82495?

CPT 82495 can be used to measure the level of chromium in a patient’s blood specimen. This test is performed to evaluate the patient for chromium poisoning or deficiency. Chromium is an essential nutrient that affects carbohydrate, fat, insulin, and protein levels in the body. Low chromium levels can increase the patient’s risk for heart disease and diabetes by raising blood sugar, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82495 is: ‘Measurement of chromium.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a blood specimen from the patient, typically from a vein.
2. The lab analyst performs a test to measure the level of chromium in the patient’s blood specimen.
3. The test may use methodologies such as atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) or neutron activation analysis (NAA) to analyze the specimen.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82495 is used when a clinician orders the test to evaluate the patient for chromium poisoning or deficiency. The patient’s condition may be suspected based on symptoms or exposure to chromium-containing substances. The test is performed on a blood specimen collected from the patient.

5. When to use CPT code 82495

CPT code 82495 should be used when a clinician orders the measurement of chromium levels in a patient’s blood specimen to evaluate for chromium poisoning or deficiency. It is important to ensure that the test is medically necessary and supported by the patient’s symptoms or exposure history.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82495, the following documentation is required:

• Order from the clinician for the measurement of chromium levels
• Documentation of the patient’s symptoms or exposure history
• Date and time of the blood specimen collection
• Methodology used for the test (e.g., AAS or NAA)
• Results of the test indicating the patient’s chromium levels

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82495, ensure that the test is medically necessary and supported by the patient’s symptoms or exposure history. It is important to follow the specific guidelines of the payer regarding the billing of this code. Some payers may allow separate billing for the collection of the blood specimen using a code such as 36415. It is also important to consider any applicable modifiers or additional documentation requirements specified by the payer.

8. Historical information

CPT 82495 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 with symptoms of chromium poisoning undergoes a blood test to measure their chromium levels.
2. A patient with a history of exposure to chromium-containing substances undergoes a blood test to evaluate for chromium deficiency.
3. A clinician orders a chromium measurement test for a patient with unexplained symptoms that could be related to chromium toxicity.
4. A patient with diabetes and uncontrolled blood sugar levels undergoes a chromium measurement test to evaluate for chromium deficiency.
5. A patient with a family history of heart disease undergoes a chromium measurement test to assess their risk based on chromium levels.
6. A patient with symptoms of chromium deficiency, such as fatigue and impaired glucose tolerance, undergoes a blood test to measure their chromium levels.
7. A clinician orders a chromium measurement test for a patient with occupational exposure to chromium to monitor their levels over time.
8. A patient with symptoms of chromium poisoning, such as gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation, undergoes a blood test to measure their chromium levels.
9. A patient with a history of chromium supplementation undergoes a blood test to monitor their chromium levels and ensure they are within the optimal range.
10. A clinician orders a chromium measurement test for a patient with suspected chromium toxicity based on their occupation and symptoms.