How To Use CPT Code 83069

CPT 83069 describes the measurement of hemoglobin in a urine specimen. 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 83069?

CPT 83069 can be used to measure the amount of hemoglobin present in a urine specimen. This code is used when a lab analyst performs the technical steps to quantitate the hemoglobin using spectrophotometry, which measures the different wavelengths of light absorbed by the sample after a chemical reaction. The presence of free hemoglobin or intact red blood cells in the urine can indicate various conditions such as hemolytic anemia, toxic drugs or poisons, and infections.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 83069 is: ‘Hemoglobin; urine.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst receives a urine specimen for testing.
2. The analyst performs the technical steps to quantitate the amount of hemoglobin present in the urine using spectrophotometry.
3. The spectrophotometry measures the different wavelengths of light absorbed by the urine sample after a chemical reaction.
4. The result of the test indicates the presence of free hemoglobin or intact red blood cells in the urine.
5. The finding of hemoglobin in the urine can be associated with various conditions or diseases, such as hemolytic anemia, toxic drugs, infections, transfusion reactions, and more.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 83069 is used when clinicians order urine hemoglobin testing to evaluate various conditions or diseases. The presence of hemoglobin in the urine can indicate hemolytic anemia, toxic drugs, infections, transfusion reactions, and more. The test is not limited to a specific condition and can be ordered based on clinical judgment.

5. When to use CPT code 83069

CPT code 83069 should be used when there is a clinical need to measure the amount of hemoglobin in a urine specimen. It is typically ordered when a positive result for hemoglobin is obtained from a urinalysis dipstick test, indicating the need for further testing and quantitation of hemoglobin levels. This code should not be used for qualitative hemoglobin testing on urine by dipstick or tablet reagent, which has its own set of specific codes (81000-81003).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 83069, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the urine hemoglobin test
• Results of the test indicating the amount of hemoglobin present in the urine
• Clinical indications or symptoms that led to the test
• Any relevant medical history or conditions that may affect the interpretation of the test results
• Signature of the clinician ordering the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 83069, ensure that the test is performed by a qualified lab analyst using spectrophotometry to measure the hemoglobin in the urine specimen. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 83069 with other codes. However, it is important to follow any payer-specific requirements and guidelines for proper billing and reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 83069 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 clinician orders a urine hemoglobin test for a patient with suspected hemolytic anemia.
2. A patient presents with symptoms of a urinary tract infection, and the clinician orders a urine hemoglobin test to rule out other possible causes.
3. A patient who recently received a blood transfusion undergoes a urine hemoglobin test to monitor for any transfusion reactions.
4. A clinician suspects drug toxicity in a patient and orders a urine hemoglobin test to assess for any signs of renal damage.
5. A patient with a history of kidney stones undergoes a urine hemoglobin test to monitor for any recurrent stone formation.
6. A pregnant patient with high blood pressure undergoes a urine hemoglobin test to assess for preeclampsia.
7. A patient with a history of bladder cancer undergoes a urine hemoglobin test as part of routine surveillance for disease recurrence.
8. A clinician orders a urine hemoglobin test for a patient with unexplained anemia to assess for any underlying causes.
9. A patient with a suspected urinary tract injury undergoes a urine hemoglobin test to evaluate for any signs of blood in the urine.
10. A patient with a history of sickle cell disease undergoes a urine hemoglobin test to monitor for any signs of hemolysis.