How To Use CPT Code 83525

CPT 83525 describes the measurement of total insulin levels in a serum 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 83525?

CPT 83525 can be used to measure the total insulin level in a serum sample. This code is specifically used to quantify both the protein-bound insulin and free insulin present in the blood.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 83525 is: ‘Insulin; total.’ This code is used to measure the total insulin level, including both the protein-bound insulin and free insulin in the blood. It is important to note that for proinsulin, a different code (84206) should be used.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical steps to quantitate the total insulin level in a serum sample.
2. The measurement is typically done using a radioimmunoassay method, which utilizes a gamma radioactive tagged isotope for precise measurement.
3. The total insulin level includes both the protein-bound insulin and free insulin in the blood.
4. This measurement helps clinicians assess patients with abnormal glucose levels and investigate conditions such as islet cell hyperplasia or destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 83525 is typically ordered when clinicians are working up patients with unexplained abnormal glucose levels. It helps in evaluating conditions such as islet cell hyperplasia, which involves an increased number of specialized insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Additionally, this test may indicate the destruction of insulin-producing cells when the total insulin level is below normal.

5. When to use CPT code 83525

CPT code 83525 should be used when measuring the total insulin level in a serum sample. It is appropriate to bill this code when clinicians are investigating abnormal glucose levels or assessing conditions related to insulin production in the pancreas.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 83525, clinicians must document the following information:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as abnormal glucose levels
• Date of the test
• Results of the total insulin measurement
• Any additional relevant clinical information

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 83525, ensure that the test is performed to measure the total insulin level in a serum sample. It is important to note that this code should not be reported separately if it is performed as part of a panel test. Clinicians should also consider reporting additional codes, such as 82947 for quantitative blood glucose measurement, when appropriate.

8. Historical information

CPT 83525 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 patient with unexplained low glucose levels undergoes a total insulin measurement to assess the destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
2. A clinician orders a total insulin test for a patient with abnormally high glucose levels to investigate islet cell hyperplasia.
3. During a patient’s comprehensive metabolic panel, the total insulin level is measured as part of the panel to assess glucose regulation.
4. A patient with symptoms of insulinoma undergoes a glucagon tolerance panel, which includes the measurement of total insulin levels.
5. A clinician orders a total insulin test along with a quantitative blood glucose measurement to evaluate a patient’s glucose regulation.