How To Use CPT Code 83605

CPT 83605 describes the measurement of lactate, also known as lactic acid, in various specimens such as blood, plasma, urine, and spinal fluid. 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 83605?

CPT 83605 is used to measure the level of lactate, which is the end product of anaerobic carbohydrate metabolism primarily produced by muscle activity. This code is commonly used by lab analysts to quantitate lactate levels in different specimens, including whole blood, plasma, urine, and spinal fluid. The measurement is performed using spectrophotometry, which measures the amount of light absorbed by the sample after a chemical reaction. Clinicians may order this test for patients experiencing weakness, fatigue, shock, stupor, coma, or other related symptoms.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 83605 is: ‘Lactate (lactic acid).’ There are no additional notes or modifiers associated with this code.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a specimen, such as blood, plasma, urine, or spinal fluid, from the patient.
2. The lactate level in the specimen is quantitated using spectrophotometry, which measures the amount of light absorbed by the sample after a chemical reaction.
3. The lab analyst records the lactate measurement and prepares the results for further analysis and interpretation.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 83605 is typically ordered for patients who exhibit symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, shock, stupor, or coma. The test helps clinicians assess the lactate levels in the body, which can be elevated due to anaerobic carbohydrate metabolism resulting from muscle, brain, and red blood cell activity. There are no specific qualifying circumstances associated with this code.

5. When to use CPT code 83605

CPT code 83605 should be used when measuring lactate levels in various specimens, including blood, plasma, urine, and spinal fluid. It is appropriate to use this code when the test is ordered by a clinician to assess lactate levels in patients with symptoms related to weakness, fatigue, shock, stupor, or coma.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 83605, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Specimen type (e.g., blood, plasma, urine, spinal fluid)
• Date and time of specimen collection
• Lactate measurement result
• Methodology used for lactate measurement
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 83605, ensure that the lactate measurement is performed by a qualified lab analyst using the appropriate methodology. There are no specific billing guidelines or modifiers associated with this code. However, some payers may separately reimburse for specimen collection using a different code, such as 36415 for venous blood collection by venipuncture.

8. Historical information

CPT code 83605 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 lab analyst measures the lactate level in a blood sample collected from a patient experiencing fatigue and weakness.
2. A clinician orders the measurement of lactate in a plasma sample from a patient in shock to assess their metabolic status.
3. A lab analyst quantitates the lactate level in a urine sample collected from a patient with coma to aid in their diagnosis and treatment.
4. A clinician requests the measurement of lactate in a spinal fluid sample from a patient with stupor to evaluate their neurological condition.
5. A lab analyst performs the lactate measurement in a blood sample collected from a patient with coma to monitor their response to treatment.
6. A clinician orders the measurement of lactate in a plasma sample from a patient with weakness to assess their metabolic function.
7. A lab analyst quantitates the lactate level in a urine sample collected from a patient in shock to aid in their management.
8. A clinician requests the measurement of lactate in a spinal fluid sample from a patient with fatigue to evaluate their neurological health.
9. A lab analyst performs the lactate measurement in a blood sample collected from a patient with stupor to monitor their metabolic status.
10. A clinician orders the measurement of lactate in a plasma sample from a patient experiencing weakness and fatigue to assess their overall health.