How To Use CPT Code 82585

CPT 82585 describes the measurement of cryofibrinogen, an abnormal type of fibrinogen rarely found in human plasma, 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 82585?

CPT 82585 can be used to measure the amount of cryofibrinogen in a patient specimen. Cryofibrinogen is an abnormal type of fibrinogen that separates as a solid upon cooling to four degrees Celsius and re-dissolves at 37 degrees Celsius. This test is mainly performed to analyze symptoms that occur with cold exposure and is associated with conditions such as post-trauma sepsis, allergic purpura, burns, vasculitis, glomerulonephritis, and hypertension.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82585 is: ‘Measurement of cryofibrinogen.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a patient specimen, typically blood, through a pre-warmed syringe.
2. The blood sample is transferred to a pre-warmed blue tube containing sodium citrate, a sodium salt of citric acid.
3. The specimen is kept at room temperature to observe any unusual responses in high and low temperatures.
4. The lab analyst performs a test, such as precipitation at one degree Celsius, to measure the amount of cryofibrinogen in the specimen.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82585 is used when there is a need to measure the amount of cryofibrinogen in a patient specimen. This test is typically performed when analyzing symptoms that occur with cold exposure and is associated with conditions such as post-trauma sepsis, allergic purpura, burns, vasculitis, glomerulonephritis, and hypertension.

5. When to use CPT code 82585

CPT code 82585 should be used when there is a clinical need to measure the amount of cryofibrinogen in a patient specimen. It is appropriate to use this code when analyzing symptoms related to cold exposure and associated conditions.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82585, the following documentation is required:

• Patient’s symptoms related to cold exposure or associated conditions
• Methodology used to measure cryofibrinogen
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the test
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82585, ensure that the test is performed to measure cryofibrinogen in a patient specimen. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding the collection of the specimen. Consider using additional codes, such as 36415 for venous blood collection, if required by the payer.

8. Historical information

CPT 82585 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 amount of cryofibrinogen in a patient specimen to analyze symptoms of allergic purpura.
2. A clinician requests the measurement of cryofibrinogen in a patient specimen to assess the presence of cryofibrinogenemia in a case of vasculitis.
3. A lab analyst performs the test for cryofibrinogen measurement in a patient specimen to investigate symptoms related to cold exposure in a suspected case of post-trauma sepsis.
4. A healthcare provider orders the measurement of cryofibrinogen in a patient specimen to evaluate the presence of cryofibrinogen in a patient with burns.
5. A lab analyst conducts the test for cryofibrinogen measurement in a patient specimen to assess the amount of cryofibrinogen in a case of glomerulonephritis.
6. A clinician requests the measurement of cryofibrinogen in a patient specimen to analyze symptoms associated with hypertension.
7. A lab analyst performs the test for cryofibrinogen measurement in a patient specimen to investigate symptoms related to cold exposure in a suspected case of vasculitis.
8. A healthcare provider orders the measurement of cryofibrinogen in a patient specimen to evaluate the presence of cryofibrinogen in a patient with allergic purpura.
9. A lab analyst conducts the test for cryofibrinogen measurement in a patient specimen to assess the amount of cryofibrinogen in a case of post-trauma sepsis.
10. A clinician requests the measurement of cryofibrinogen in a patient specimen to analyze symptoms associated with burns.