How To Use CPT Code 83088

CPT 83088 describes the measurement of histamine levels in various bodily fluids, such as whole blood, serum, plasma, or urine. 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 83088?

CPT 83088 can be used to measure the levels of histamine in different bodily fluids, including whole blood, serum, plasma, or urine. Histamine is a substance stored in mast cells and basophils, and it becomes available upon tissue injury. Clinicians may order this test when a patient exhibits symptoms of low blood pressure or signs of histamine intolerance, such as reactions to certain foods or unexplained headaches.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 83088 is: ‘Histamine; measurement.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a sample of the patient’s bodily fluid, such as whole blood, serum, plasma, or urine.
2. The lab analyst performs the technical steps to quantitate the histamine levels in the collected sample.
3. The measurement is typically done using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which involves an enzyme and an antigen-antibody reaction.
4. The ELISA test utilizes an enzyme linked to a specific protein, such as an antigen or antibody, as a marker to identify and quantitate the histamine levels.
5. The lab analyst records the results of the histamine measurement.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 83088 is typically ordered when a patient exhibits symptoms of low blood pressure or signs of histamine intolerance. The test can help diagnose conditions related to histamine release, such as allergic reactions, inflammation, and gastric juice release. It is important to specify the type of bodily fluid being tested when ordering CPT 83088 to ensure the correct sample is collected.

5. When to use CPT code 83088

CPT code 83088 should be used when there is a medical necessity to measure histamine levels in a patient’s bodily fluid. It is appropriate to use this code when a clinician suspects histamine-related conditions, such as histamine intolerance or allergic reactions. However, it is important to note that CPT code 83088 should not be used for testing related to a specific condition.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 83088, the clinician must document the following information:

• Type of bodily fluid tested (e.g., whole blood, serum, plasma, urine)
• Date and time of the sample collection
• Methodology used for the histamine measurement (e.g., ELISA)
• Results of the histamine measurement

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 83088, ensure that the test is medically necessary and supported by appropriate documentation. It is important to specify the type of bodily fluid tested to ensure accurate coding. Some payers may also separately reimburse for the collection of the specimen using a venipuncture code, such as 36415, if applicable.

8. Historical information

CPT 83088 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 patient with unexplained headaches undergoes a histamine measurement in their plasma to determine if histamine intolerance is the cause.
2. A patient with symptoms of low blood pressure has their histamine levels measured in their whole blood to investigate potential underlying causes.
3. A patient with suspected allergic reactions undergoes a histamine measurement in their serum to assess their histamine levels during an allergic episode.
4. A patient with gastrointestinal symptoms undergoes a histamine measurement in their urine to evaluate histamine-related conditions, such as gastric juice release.
5. A patient with suspected histamine intolerance has their histamine levels measured in their plasma to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment decisions.