How To Use CPT Code 83030

CPT 83030 describes the chemical test used to detect and quantify fetal hemoglobin in a whole blood 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 83030?

CPT 83030 is used to describe a chemical test performed by a lab analyst to detect and measure the level of fetal hemoglobin in a whole blood sample. This test is typically ordered by clinicians for various reasons, such as anemia, cancer, leukemia, and sickle cell disease. The level of fetal hemoglobin is usually very minimal in adults, and increased levels may indicate certain conditions or underlying disorders.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 83030 is: ‘Hemoglobin; F (fetal), chemical.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical steps to determine the quantitative level of fetal hemoglobin in a whole blood sample.
2. The analyst uses a chemical test called alkali denaturation, which involves alkalinizing, neutralizing, and precipitating the blood-water mixture to measure the hemoglobin F.
3. The level of hemoglobin F is expressed as a percentage of the total hemoglobin present in the sample.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 83030 can be ordered by clinicians for various reasons, including anemia, cancer, leukemia, and sickle cell disease. The test is typically performed on whole blood samples, and the level of fetal hemoglobin is usually very minimal in adults. Increased levels may indicate certain conditions or underlying disorders that clinicians may need to further investigate or treat.

5. When to use CPT code 83030

CPT code 83030 should be used when a clinician orders a chemical test to detect and quantify fetal hemoglobin in a whole blood sample. It is important to note that this test is not commonly performed by many labs, as newer and more precise tests are now available. Clinicians should consider alternative testing options before ordering CPT 83030.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 83030, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as anemia, cancer, leukemia, or sickle cell disease
• Details of the whole blood sample used for the test
• Results of the test, including the quantitative level of fetal hemoglobin expressed as a percentage
• Signature of the lab analyst who performed the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 83030, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst and that the documentation supports the medical necessity of the test. It is important to note that some payers may separately reimburse for specimen collection using a venipuncture code, such as 36415.

8. Historical information

CPT 83030 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 CPT 83030 to detect and measure the level of fetal hemoglobin in a whole blood sample of a patient with suspected sickle cell disease.
2. For a patient with anemia, a clinician orders CPT 83030 to determine the percentage of fetal hemoglobin in their whole blood sample.
3. A clinician suspects leukemia in a patient and orders CPT 83030 to assess the level of fetal hemoglobin in their whole blood sample.
4. As part of a comprehensive cancer evaluation, a clinician orders CPT 83030 to measure the fetal hemoglobin level in a patient’s whole blood sample.
5. A clinician orders CPT 83030 to assess the level of fetal hemoglobin in a whole blood sample of a patient with a suspected blood disorder.
6. For a patient with a history of anemia, a clinician orders CPT 83030 to monitor the level of fetal hemoglobin in their whole blood sample.
7. A clinician suspects sickle cell disease in a patient and orders CPT 83030 to determine the percentage of fetal hemoglobin in their whole blood sample.
8. As part of a routine check-up, a clinician orders CPT 83030 to assess the level of fetal hemoglobin in a patient’s whole blood sample.
9. A clinician orders CPT 83030 to measure the fetal hemoglobin level in a whole blood sample of a patient with a family history of blood disorders.
10. For a patient undergoing cancer treatment, a clinician orders CPT 83030 to monitor the level of fetal hemoglobin in their whole blood sample.