How To Use CPT Code 83037

CPT 83037 describes the measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin (HgbA1c) using a device approved by the FDA for home use. 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 83037?

CPT 83037 can be used to report the measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin (HgbA1c) using a device that has been cleared by the FDA for home use. This test provides an indication of glucose control over a three to four month period and the results are reported as a percentage of total hemoglobin.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 83037 is: ‘Hemoglobin; glycosylated (A1C) by device cleared by FDA for home use.’

3. Procedure

1. The analyst performs a fingerstick or venipuncture to obtain a drop of blood from the patient.
2. The blood is then placed in a disposable cartridge and inserted into a handheld meter that has been cleared by the FDA for home use.
3. The device uses an immunoassay method or affinity separation to measure the percentage of glycosylated hemoglobin in the total hemoglobin.
4. The results are typically available within five to 10 minutes.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 83037 is used when the measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin is performed using a device that has been cleared by the FDA for home use. This test is commonly ordered by clinicians to monitor a patient’s long-term glucose control or to screen for suspected diabetes.

5. When to use CPT code 83037

CPT code 83037 should be used when a qualified analyst performs the measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin using a device approved for home use, and the provider is present during the patient encounter. It should not be used for tests performed at a patient’s home or by the patient or a family member.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 83037, the following documentation is required:

• Indication of why the test was ordered, such as monitoring long-term glucose control or screening for diabetes
• Details of the device used for the measurement, including FDA clearance for home use
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the test reported as a percentage of total hemoglobin
• Signature of the qualified analyst who performed the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 83037, ensure that the measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin was performed using a device cleared by the FDA for home use and that the provider was present during the patient encounter. It is important to note that CPT code 83037 should not be reported for tests performed at a patient’s home or by the patient or a family member. Review the specific guidelines from payers to ensure accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 83037 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2006. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A qualified analyst performs a measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin using a device cleared by the FDA for home use during a patient encounter, and the provider is present.
2. A clinician orders the measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin to monitor a patient’s long-term glucose control, and a qualified analyst performs the test using a device approved for home use.
3. A patient undergoes a measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin using a device cleared by the FDA for home use, and the provider is present to interpret the results.
4. A qualified analyst performs the measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin using a device approved for home use, and the provider documents the results in the patient’s medical record.
5. A clinician orders the measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin to screen for suspected diabetes, and a qualified analyst performs the test using a device cleared by the FDA for home use.
6. A patient undergoes a measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin using a device approved for home use, and the provider discusses the results and provides appropriate recommendations based on the findings.
7. A qualified analyst performs the measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin using a device cleared by the FDA for home use, and the provider includes the results in the patient’s treatment plan.
8. A clinician orders the measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin to monitor a patient’s response to diabetes management, and a qualified analyst performs the test using a device approved for home use.
9. A patient undergoes a measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin using a device cleared by the FDA for home use, and the provider reviews the results with the patient during a follow-up visit.
10. A qualified analyst performs the measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin using a device approved for home use, and the provider uses the results to adjust the patient’s treatment plan.