How To Use CPT Code 83010

CPT 83010 describes the quantitative measurement of haptoglobin, a hemoglobin-binding glycoprotein, typically in a serum sample. 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 83010?

CPT 83010 can be used to measure the level of haptoglobin in a patient’s blood sample. Haptoglobin is a glycoprotein that binds with free hemoglobin in the blood and transports it to the liver for reuse. This test is ordered by clinicians to evaluate anemia, hemolysis, transfusion reactions, and other conditions where free hemoglobin levels are abnormal.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 83010 is: ‘Haptoglobin; quantitative.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical steps to quantitate the haptoglobin level in a serum sample.
2. The haptoglobin level is typically measured using nephelometry, which involves the measurement of light scattering in the sample to quantitatively measure the analyte.
3. The lab analyst records the intensity of the light scattering property of the sample using a sensitive instrument.
4. The haptoglobin level is then reported as a quantitative measurement.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 83010 is used when clinicians order a quantitative measurement of haptoglobin to evaluate anemia, hemolysis, transfusion reactions, and other conditions where free hemoglobin levels are abnormal. The test is typically performed on a serum sample.

5. When to use CPT code 83010

CPT code 83010 should be used when a quantitative measurement of haptoglobin is necessary to evaluate a patient’s condition. It is important to ensure that the test is medically necessary and ordered by a clinician for the appropriate indications.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 83010, the documentation should include:

• Indication for the test, such as anemia, hemolysis, or transfusion reactions
• Type of sample used (serum)
• Methodology used for the measurement (e.g., nephelometry)
• Quantitative measurement of haptoglobin level

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 83010, ensure that the test is medically necessary and ordered by a clinician. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding documentation and coding requirements. Some payers may also require a separate code for specimen collection, such as venipuncture.

8. Historical information

CPT code 83010 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 clinician orders a quantitative measurement of haptoglobin to evaluate a patient with suspected hemolysis.
2. A patient with anemia undergoes a haptoglobin test to assess their condition.
3. A clinician orders a haptoglobin test to evaluate a patient who experienced a transfusion reaction.
4. A patient with abnormal free hemoglobin levels undergoes a quantitative haptoglobin measurement to determine the cause.
5. A clinician orders a haptoglobin test to assess a patient with suspected hemolytic anemia.
6. A patient with a history of hemolysis undergoes a haptoglobin test to monitor their condition.
7. A clinician orders a quantitative measurement of haptoglobin to evaluate a patient with unexplained anemia.
8. A patient with a suspected transfusion reaction undergoes a haptoglobin test to confirm the diagnosis.
9. A clinician orders a haptoglobin test to evaluate a patient with abnormal free hemoglobin levels.
10. A patient with symptoms of hemolysis undergoes a quantitative haptoglobin measurement to assess their condition.