How To Use CPT Code 82658

CPT 82658 describes the measurement of enzyme activity in blood cells, cultured cells, or tissue using a radioactive substrate. 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 82658?

CPT 82658 can be used to measure the enzyme activity within cells, including blood cells, cultured cells, or tissue. This test utilizes a radioactive substrate to quantitatively assess the enzyme activity. It is important to note that this code should only be used for enzymatic activity tests that are not already listed procedures.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82658 is: ‘Enzyme activity in blood cells, cultured cells, or tissue, not elsewhere specified; radioactive substrate, each specimen.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst measures the enzyme activity within cells, including blood cells, cultured cells, or tissue.
2. A radioactive substrate is used for the test to assess the enzyme activity.
3. This procedure allows for the examination of components involved in physiological and pathological processes.
4. The specimen types can include leukocytes, red cells, platelets, macrophages, and even nerve cells.
5. If the test is performed on cultured cells, the culture technique is included in the procedure.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82658 is used for measuring enzyme activity in cells, including blood cells, cultured cells, or tissue. It is important to note that this code should only be used for tests that utilize a radioactive substrate. For enzyme activity testing in cells or tissue using a non-radioactive substrate method, a different code should be used (82657).

5. When to use CPT code 82658

CPT code 82658 should be used when there is a need to measure enzyme activity within cells, including blood cells, cultured cells, or tissue, using a radioactive substrate. It is important to ensure that the test being performed is not already a listed procedure. If enzyme activity testing is being done using a non-radioactive substrate method, a different code should be used (82657).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82658, the following documentation should be included:

• Patient’s diagnosis or reason for the test
• Specific details of the enzyme activity test performed
• Date and time of the test
• Specimen type used for the test (e.g., blood cells, cultured cells, tissue)
• Results of the test, including any relevant measurements or values
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82658, ensure that the test is performed using a radioactive substrate and that it is not already a listed procedure. It is important to follow the guidelines for reporting multiple enzyme activity tests from the same specimen. If enzyme activity testing is being done using a non-radioactive substrate method, a different code should be used (82657).

8. Historical information

CPT 82658 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1999. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst measures the enzyme activity in blood cells using a radioactive substrate.
2. The enzyme activity in cultured cells is quantitatively assessed using a radioactive substrate.
3. Enzyme activity within tissue is measured using a radioactive substrate.
4. A lab analyst examines the enzyme activity in macrophages using a radioactive substrate.
5. The enzyme activity in nerve cells is assessed using a radioactive substrate.
6. Enzyme activity in platelets is measured using a radioactive substrate.
7. A lab analyst performs enzyme activity testing on red cells using a radioactive substrate.
8. The enzyme activity in leukocytes is quantitatively assessed using a radioactive substrate.
9. Enzyme activity within tissue is measured using a radioactive substrate.
10. A lab analyst examines the enzyme activity in macrophages using a radioactive substrate.