How To Use CPT Code 83704

CPT 83704 describes the quantitation of lipoprotein particle numbers in blood, including lipoprotein particle subclasses, when performed. 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 83704?

CPT 83704 can be used to measure the number of lipoprotein particles in the blood, including subclasses, using a methodology such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This code is used when the lab analyst performs a test to determine the level of specific classes or subclasses of lipoprotein in the blood, which may indicate a further risk factor for cardiovascular disease or stroke.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 83704 is: ‘Lipoprotein, blood; quantitation of lipoprotein particle number(s) (eg, by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy), includes lipoprotein particle subclass(es), when performed.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a blood sample from the patient using venipuncture.
2. The analyst adds the purified sample and buffer solution to a thin walled glass tube.
3. Pulses of electromagnetic energy are used to magnetize the sample and create a chemical shift.
4. The analyst uses a spectrometer to detect the chemical shift, which varies according to the structure and amount of specific components present in the sample.
5. Spectroscopic differences naturally exist among lipoprotein particles of different sizes.
6. The analyst uses specialized software to complete the quantitation of lipoprotein particle numbers and subclasses.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 83704 is typically ordered by clinicians to evaluate patients with atherosclerosis or other risk factors for cardiovascular disease or stroke. It is used to determine the level of specific classes or subclasses of lipoprotein in the blood, which may indicate a further risk factor for stroke or heart attack.

5. When to use CPT code 83704

CPT code 83704 should be used when there is a need to measure the lipoprotein particle numbers and possibly lipoprotein particle subclasses in the blood. It is appropriate to use this code when evaluating patients with atherosclerosis or other risk factors for cardiovascular disease or stroke. However, it is important to consider other codes in the range 83695 to 83721 before assigning CPT 83704, as there may be more specific codes available for measuring lipoprotein fractions.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 83704, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as evaluation of atherosclerosis or risk factors for cardiovascular disease or stroke
• Methodology used, such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the quantitation of lipoprotein particle numbers and subclasses
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 83704, it is important to consider the guidelines provided by payers. Some payers may pay separately for the collection of the blood specimen using a different code, such as 36415. It is also important to review other codes in the range 83695 to 83721 to ensure that CPT 83704 is the most appropriate code for the specific measurement needed. Additional tips and guidelines may vary depending on the payer, so it is important to consult the specific payer’s policies and guidelines.

8. Historical information

CPT 83704 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2006. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with atherosclerosis undergoes a test to measure the lipoprotein particle numbers and subclasses in their blood to assess their risk for cardiovascular disease.
2. A patient with risk factors for stroke receives a test to determine the level of specific lipoprotein classes or subclasses in their blood, which may indicate an increased risk for stroke.
3. A clinician orders a lipoprotein particle quantitation test for a patient with coronary artery disease to further evaluate their risk factors.
4. A patient with arteriosclerosis undergoes a test to measure the lipoprotein particle numbers and subclasses in their blood to assess the progression of the disease.
5. A patient with a family history of cardiovascular disease receives a lipoprotein particle quantitation test to evaluate their risk for developing the condition.