How To Use CPT Code 83090

CPT 83090 describes the measurement of homocysteine levels in a plasma, serum, or urine 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 83090?

CPT 83090 can be used to measure the amount of homocysteine, an important amino acid, in a plasma, serum, or urine sample. This test is often performed to evaluate inherited disorders of metabolism and as a marker for cardiovascular disease.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 83090 is: ‘Measurement of homocysteine.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a plasma, serum, or urine sample from the patient.
2. The sample is then subjected to a liquid chromatography, tandem mass spectrometry method, which separates the sample mixture and analyzes it based on mass to charge ratio.
3. The lab analyst quantitates the level of homocysteine in the sample using the mass spectrometers.
4. The test results are reported to the clinician for interpretation and further evaluation.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 83090 is typically performed when studying metabolic defects affecting amino acids and their abnormal accumulation. It is also used to assess vitamin and nutritional deficiency problems. The test may be ordered by clinicians to evaluate inherited disorders of metabolism or as a risk factor indicator for coronary heart disease.

5. When to use CPT code 83090

CPT code 83090 should be used when measuring homocysteine levels in a plasma, serum, or urine sample. It is important to note that this code is not limited to testing for a specific disease but is used to evaluate metabolic defects and cardiovascular risk factors.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 83090, the following documentation is required:

• Indication for the test and the reason for ordering
• Type of specimen collected (plasma, serum, or urine)
• Date and time of specimen collection
• Test results and interpretation
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 83090, ensure that the test is performed by a qualified lab analyst and that the appropriate specimen (plasma, serum, or urine) is collected. It is important to note that some payers may separately reimburse for specimen collection using a specific code, such as 36415 for venipuncture.

8. Historical information

CPT 83090 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2001, with the description ‘Homocystine.’ The code was later changed to ‘Homocysteine’ on January 1, 2006. There have been no further updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with a family history of inherited metabolic disorders undergoes a homocysteine test to assess their risk.
2. A clinician orders a homocysteine test for a patient with suspected vitamin deficiencies.
3. A patient with cardiovascular risk factors undergoes a homocysteine test to evaluate their risk of coronary heart disease.
4. A patient with symptoms of an inherited disorder of metabolism undergoes a homocysteine test to aid in diagnosis.
5. A clinician monitors the homocysteine levels of a patient undergoing treatment for a metabolic disorder.
6. A patient with a history of cardiovascular disease undergoes regular homocysteine testing to assess their response to treatment.
7. A clinician orders a homocysteine test as part of a comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s nutritional status.
8. A patient with symptoms of vitamin deficiencies undergoes a homocysteine test to aid in diagnosis.
9. A clinician orders a homocysteine test to evaluate a patient’s response to vitamin supplementation therapy.
10. A patient with a family history of cardiovascular disease undergoes regular homocysteine testing to assess their risk.