How To Use CPT Code 82528

CPT 82528 describes the measurement of corticosterone levels in a patient specimen. 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 82528?

CPT 82528 can be used to measure the amount of corticosterone in a patient specimen. Corticosterone is a hormone produced in the adrenal cortex area of the kidney. This code is used when a lab analyst performs a test to determine the level of corticosterone in a patient’s blood or other specimens.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82528 is: ‘Measurement of corticosterone.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a patient specimen, typically blood, for testing.
2. The lab analyst uses a methodology such as liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC MSMS) or radioimmunoassay (RIA) to measure the amount of corticosterone in the specimen.
3. LC MSMS combines liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to separate and analyze the chemical mixture in the specimen.
4. RIA involves the use of an antigen-antibody response to accurately measure the analyte.
5. The lab analyst identifies the amount of corticosterone present in the specimen using the chosen methodology.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82528 is performed when clinicians suspect hydroxylase deficiency or glucocorticoid responsive hyperaldosteronism. It is often used in conjunction with cortisol, renin, and aldosterone testing to aid in the diagnosis of these conditions. The test is typically ordered by clinicians to assess proper water requirements, electrolyte balance, and other essential processes in the body.

5. When to use CPT code 82528

CPT code 82528 should be used when there is a need to measure the amount of corticosterone in a patient specimen. It is appropriate to bill this code when the lab analyst performs the test using LC MSMS or RIA methodology. This code should not be used for other hormone measurements or tests.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82528, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Patient’s name and identification number
• Date and time of specimen collection
• Methodology used for the test (LC MSMS or RIA)
• Results of the corticosterone measurement
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82528, ensure that the test is performed by a qualified lab analyst using the appropriate methodology. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding billing and coding for this test. Some payers may require the use of additional codes for specimen collection, such as CPT code 36415 for venous blood collection.

8. Historical information

CPT 82528 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 corticosterone in a patient’s blood specimen using LC MSMS methodology.
2. A clinician orders a test to measure the amount of corticosterone in a patient’s urine sample, and the lab analyst performs the test using RIA methodology.
3. A lab analyst measures the level of corticosterone in a patient’s saliva specimen using LC MSMS methodology.
4. A clinician suspects hydroxylase deficiency in a patient and orders a test to measure corticosterone levels in the patient’s blood specimen, which is performed by a lab analyst using LC MSMS methodology.
5. A lab analyst measures the amount of corticosterone in a patient’s hair sample using RIA methodology.
6. A clinician orders a test to measure the level of corticosterone in a patient’s cerebrospinal fluid, and the lab analyst performs the test using LC MSMS methodology.
7. A lab analyst measures the amount of corticosterone in a patient’s sweat sample using RIA methodology.
8. A clinician suspects glucocorticoid responsive hyperaldosteronism in a patient and orders a test to measure corticosterone levels in the patient’s blood specimen, which is performed by a lab analyst using LC MSMS methodology.
9. A lab analyst measures the level of corticosterone in a patient’s saliva specimen using RIA methodology.
10. A clinician orders a test to measure the amount of corticosterone in a patient’s urine sample, and the lab analyst performs the test using LC MSMS methodology.