How To Use CPT Code 83625

CPT 83625 describes the quantitation and separation of lactate dehydrogenase (LD) isoenzymes 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 83625?

CPT 83625 is used to measure and separate the different fractions of lactate dehydrogenase (LD) isoenzymes in a serum sample. LD is found in various body tissues, including the liver, kidney, heart, and red blood cells. The analysis of LD isoenzymes can provide important clinical information for the differential diagnosis of diseases or conditions related to tissue injury, loss of blood circulation, or congestion in the heart, kidney, and liver.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 83625 is: ‘Lactate dehydrogenase (LD), (LDH); isoenzymes, separation and quantitation.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical steps to quantitate the level of each lactate dehydrogenase fraction in a serum sample.
2. The analysis is typically done using electrophoresis, which separates the charged particles based on their migration speed.
3. The five fractions of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes (LD1, LD2, LD3, LD4, and LD5) are quantitated individually.
4. The ratio of these isoenzymes can provide diagnostic significance for certain conditions.
5. The test is commonly ordered for the differential diagnosis of diseases or conditions related to tissue injury, loss of blood circulation, or congestion in the heart, kidney, and liver.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 83625 is performed when there is a clinical need to assess the levels and ratios of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes in a serum sample. This test is often ordered for patients with suspected tissue injury, loss of blood circulation, or congestion in the heart, kidney, or liver. The analysis of LD isoenzymes can provide important clinical information for the differential diagnosis of various diseases or conditions.

5. When to use CPT code 83625

CPT code 83625 should be used when there is a clinical indication to measure and separate the lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes in a serum sample. It is typically ordered for patients with suspected tissue injury, loss of blood circulation, or congestion in the heart, kidney, or liver. This code should be used when the analysis of LD isoenzymes is necessary for the differential diagnosis of certain diseases or conditions.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 83625, the following documentation is required:

• Clinical indication for the test
• Results of the quantitation and separation of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes
• Interpretation of the results and their diagnostic significance
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the analysis

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 83625, ensure that the test is medically necessary and supported by appropriate documentation. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding the use of this code. Additionally, be aware of any bundling or unbundling rules that may apply to this code when reporting it with other codes. Some payers may also require a separate code for specimen collection, such as CPT code 36415.

8. Historical information

CPT 83625 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 suspected myocardial infarction undergoes a lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme analysis to assess the extent of tissue injury in the heart.
2. A patient with liver disease undergoes a lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme analysis to evaluate liver function and assess the presence of liver congestion.
3. A patient with suspected hemolysis undergoes a lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme analysis to determine the extent of red blood cell breakdown.
4. A patient with kidney dysfunction undergoes a lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme analysis to assess renal function and detect any signs of kidney congestion.
5. A patient with suspected tissue injury undergoes a lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme analysis to aid in the differential diagnosis of various conditions.