How To Use CPT Code 83033

CPT 83033 describes the qualitative presence of hemoglobin F, typically 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 83033?

CPT 83033 can be used to determine the qualitative presence of hemoglobin F in a whole blood sample. This code is typically used to assess the amount of hemoglobin F present, which is usually very low except in newborn infants, where almost all the hemoglobin is type F.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 83033 is: ‘Hemoglobin; F (fetal), qualitative.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a whole blood sample from the patient.
2. The sample is then tested to determine the qualitative presence of hemoglobin F.
3. The analyst assesses the results and determines the amount of hemoglobin F present in the sample.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 83033 is typically used when there is a need to assess the presence of hemoglobin F in a patient’s blood sample. This test is particularly useful in newborn infants, as hemoglobin F is the predominant type of hemoglobin in their blood. Clinicians may also order this test if there are concerns about the presence of hemoglobin F in individuals beyond infancy.

5. When to use CPT code 83033

CPT code 83033 should be used when there is a need to determine the qualitative presence of hemoglobin F in a patient’s blood sample. It is important to note that this code is specifically for qualitative assessment and not for more precise methodologies, such as electrophoresis or chromatography, which provide more detailed information about all the hemoglobin types.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 83033, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test
• Date of the test
• Results of the qualitative assessment
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 83033, ensure that the test is performed to determine the qualitative presence of hemoglobin F in a patient’s blood sample. It is important to note that this code is not typically used in modern clinical practice, as clinicians often opt for more precise methodologies, such as electrophoresis or chromatography, to assess hemoglobin types. However, if this test is still available and necessary, it should be reported separately. It is also important to consider any additional codes that may be required for specimen collection, such as venipuncture.

8. Historical information

CPT 83033 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performing a qualitative assessment of hemoglobin F in a whole blood sample from a newborn infant.
2. A clinician ordering a qualitative assessment of hemoglobin F in a patient’s blood sample to investigate potential issues beyond infancy.
3. A lab technician conducting a qualitative assessment of hemoglobin F in a whole blood sample to confirm the presence of this hemoglobin type.
4. A healthcare provider requesting a qualitative assessment of hemoglobin F in a patient’s blood sample to monitor any changes in hemoglobin composition.
5. A lab analyst performing a qualitative assessment of hemoglobin F in a whole blood sample to assist in diagnosing certain medical conditions.
6. A clinician ordering a qualitative assessment of hemoglobin F in a patient’s blood sample to evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment plan.
7. A lab technician conducting a qualitative assessment of hemoglobin F in a whole blood sample to assess the risk of certain genetic disorders.
8. A healthcare provider requesting a qualitative assessment of hemoglobin F in a patient’s blood sample to guide further diagnostic investigations.
9. A lab analyst performing a qualitative assessment of hemoglobin F in a whole blood sample to monitor the progress of a patient’s condition.
10. A clinician ordering a qualitative assessment of hemoglobin F in a patient’s blood sample to determine the need for additional medical interventions.