How To Use CPT Code 82550

CPT 82550 describes the measurement of total creatine kinase (CK) 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 82550?

CPT 82550 can be used to measure the amount of total creatine kinase (CK) in a patient specimen. CK is an enzyme found in various tissues and cells, such as the heart, brain, or muscles. It is also known as creatine phosphokinase (CPK). This code is used when the lab analyst performs a test to determine the level of CK in a patient’s blood serum.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82550 is: ‘Creatine kinase (CK), (CPK); total.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a patient specimen, typically blood serum, for testing.
2. The lab analyst performs a test to measure the amount of total creatine kinase (CK) in the specimen.
3. The test may utilize methodologies such as photometric, enzymatic, or creatine phosphate + ADP.
4. The lab analyst records the results of the test.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82550 is used when there is a need to measure the total creatine kinase (CK) level in a patient specimen. This test is commonly used in the diagnosis and monitoring of conditions such as muscular dystrophy, rhabdomyolysis, cerebrovascular accident, and myocardial infarction (MI). It can also provide information about other conditions such as viral myositis, hypothyroidism, polymyositis, or malignant hypothermia. The test is performed on a patient specimen, typically blood serum.

5. When to use CPT code 82550

CPT code 82550 should be used when there is a clinical need to measure the total creatine kinase (CK) level in a patient specimen. It is appropriate to use this code when the test is performed to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of conditions related to CK levels. However, it is important to note that this code should not be used for specific CK isoenzyme determination, as there are separate codes available for that purpose.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82550, the documentation should include:

• Patient information and specimen source
• Date and time of the test
• Methodology used for the test
• Results of the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82550, ensure that the test is performed to measure the total creatine kinase (CK) level in a patient specimen. This code should not be reported with other codes for specific CK isoenzyme determination. It is important to follow the guidelines provided by the payer regarding repeat tests and the use of modifiers if necessary.

8. Historical information

CPT 82550 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 lab analyst measures the total creatine kinase (CK) level in a patient’s blood serum to aid in the diagnosis of muscular dystrophy.
2. During a patient’s hospital stay, the lab analyst performs a test to monitor the total creatine kinase (CK) level following a cerebrovascular accident.
3. A patient with suspected myocardial infarction undergoes a test to measure the total creatine kinase (CK) level in their blood serum.
4. As part of a comprehensive evaluation, the lab analyst measures the total creatine kinase (CK) level in a patient’s blood serum to assess for rhabdomyolysis.
5. A patient presenting with symptoms of viral myositis undergoes a test to measure the total creatine kinase (CK) level in their blood serum.
6. During a routine check-up, the lab analyst measures the total creatine kinase (CK) level in a patient’s blood serum to assess for hypothyroidism.
7. A lab analyst performs a test to measure the total creatine kinase (CK) level in a patient’s blood serum to aid in the diagnosis of polymyositis.
8. Following general anesthesia, the lab analyst measures the total creatine kinase (CK) level in a patient’s blood serum to assess for malignant hypothermia.
9. A patient with rheumatoid arthritis undergoes a test to measure the total creatine kinase (CK) level in their blood serum as part of their routine monitoring.
10. As part of a liver function assessment, the lab analyst measures the total creatine kinase (CK) level in a patient’s blood serum to evaluate for alcoholic liver disease.