How To Use CPT Code 83015

CPT 83015 describes the qualitative testing for heavy metals, such as arsenic, barium, beryllium, bismuth, antimony, and mercury, in various body substances. 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 83015?

CPT 83015 can be used to describe the qualitative testing for heavy metals in blood, urine, or other body substances. This code is used when the lab analyst identifies the presence and identity of any number of heavy metals, but does not determine the level or quantity of the metals present.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 83015 is: ‘Heavy metal (eg, arsenic, barium, beryllium, bismuth, antimony, mercury); qualitative, any number of analytes.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical steps to identify the presence of heavy metals in blood, urine, or other body substances.
2. A common lab method for this analysis is atomic absorption spectroscopy, which utilizes the absorption of spectral radiation by free atoms in a gaseous state.
3. The lab analyst tests for the presence and identity of any number of heavy metals, such as arsenic, barium, beryllium, bismuth, antimony, and mercury.
4. The test does not determine the level or quantity of the heavy metals present.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 83015 is typically ordered by clinicians to screen patients with possible exposure to heavy metals and identify possible heavy metal poisoning. It is not limited to testing for a specific condition. The test can be performed on various body substances, primarily blood, urine, and body fluids. The list of heavy metals mentioned in the code description is not exhaustive, as it only provides examples.

5. When to use CPT code 83015

CPT code 83015 should be used when the lab analyst performs qualitative testing for heavy metals in blood, urine, or other body substances. This code is not appropriate for tests that determine the quantity of heavy metals present. For quantitative heavy metal tests for metals not elsewhere specified, CPT code 83018 should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 83015, the documentation should include:

• Indication of heavy metal screening
• Identification of the heavy metals present
• Body substance tested (blood, urine, etc.)
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 83015, ensure that the test is performed to identify the presence and identity of heavy metals qualitatively. Do not report CPT 83015 for tests that determine the quantity of heavy metals. It is important to follow the specific guidelines of the payer regarding specimen collection, as some may pay separately for collecting the specimen.

8. Historical information

CPT 83015 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been historical changes to the code, including code changes in 2003 and 2017.

9. Examples

1. A patient with possible heavy metal poisoning undergoes qualitative testing for heavy metals in their blood.
2. A clinician orders qualitative testing for heavy metals in a patient’s urine to screen for possible exposure.
3. A lab analyst performs qualitative testing for heavy metals in a body fluid sample to identify any present heavy metals.
4. A patient with suspected heavy metal contamination undergoes qualitative testing for heavy metals in their hair.
5. A clinician orders qualitative testing for heavy metals in a patient’s sweat to screen for possible exposure.
6. A lab analyst performs qualitative testing for heavy metals in a body fluid sample to identify any present heavy metals.
7. A patient with possible heavy metal poisoning undergoes qualitative testing for heavy metals in their blood.
8. A clinician orders qualitative testing for heavy metals in a patient’s urine to screen for possible exposure.
9. A lab analyst performs qualitative testing for heavy metals in a body fluid sample to identify any present heavy metals.
10. A patient with suspected heavy metal contamination undergoes qualitative testing for heavy metals in their hair.