How To Use CPT Code 83690

CPT 83690 describes the measurement of lipase enzyme in a patient specimen. 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 83690?

CPT 83690 can be used to measure the amount of lipase enzyme in a patient specimen. Lipase is an enzyme secreted by the pancreas that aids in the absorption of fat.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 83690 is: ‘Measurement of lipase enzyme in a patient specimen.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a patient specimen, such as fasting blood.
2. The lab analyst uses a methodology, such as spectrophotometry, to measure the amount of lipase enzyme in the specimen.
3. The spectrophotometer measures the light intensity of a specific wavelength transmitted by the sample, providing a quantitative analysis of the lipase enzyme.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 83690 may be ordered by clinicians to evaluate patients for abnormal levels of lipase enzyme. Abnormal lipase levels can be indicative of disorders of the pancreas, kidneys, and hepatic ducts. Symptoms of abnormal lipase levels may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and sweating.

5. When to use CPT code 83690

CPT code 83690 should be used when there is a need to measure the amount of lipase enzyme in a patient specimen. It is appropriate to use this code when evaluating patients for abnormal lipase levels or when monitoring lipase levels in patients with known pancreatic, renal, or hepatic duct disorders.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 83690, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as evaluation of abnormal lipase levels
• Type of specimen collected, such as fasting blood
• Methodology used to measure lipase enzyme, such as spectrophotometry
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the lipase measurement
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 83690, ensure that the test is performed to measure the lipase enzyme in a patient specimen. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding the billing of this code. Some payers may require separate billing for specimen collection using a code such as 36415.

8. Historical information

CPT 83690 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 clinician orders CPT 83690 to measure lipase levels in a patient with suspected pancreatitis.
2. A patient presents with symptoms of abdominal pain and nausea, and CPT 83690 is ordered to evaluate lipase levels.
3. CPT 83690 is used to monitor lipase levels in a patient with a known pancreatic disorder.
4. A clinician orders CPT 83690 to assess lipase levels in a patient with suspected renal dysfunction.
5. A patient with symptoms of hepatic duct obstruction undergoes CPT 83690 to evaluate lipase levels.
6. CPT 83690 is used to measure lipase levels in a patient with unexplained fever and sweating.
7. A clinician orders CPT 83690 to monitor lipase levels in a patient undergoing treatment for a pancreatic disorder.
8. A patient with recurrent abdominal pain undergoes CPT 83690 to assess lipase levels.
9. CPT 83690 is used to evaluate lipase levels in a patient with suspected kidney disease.
10. A clinician orders CPT 83690 to measure lipase levels in a patient with unexplained weight loss.