How To Use CPT Code 83721

CPT 83721 describes the direct measurement of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol 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 83721?

CPT 83721 can be used to directly measure the level of LDL cholesterol in a patient specimen. This code is used when a lab analyst performs a test to separate the components of the sample and then adds an enzyme reagent to form a colored product that reacts with the cholesterol, allowing for detection and measurement.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 83721 is: ‘Lipoprotein, direct measurement; LDL cholesterol.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs a test to directly measure the LDL cholesterol in a patient specimen.
2. The specimen, typically blood, is subjected to ultracentrifugation to separate its components.
3. An enzyme reagent is added to the specimen, which reacts with the cholesterol and forms a colored product.
4. The color of the product allows for the detection and measurement of LDL cholesterol.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 83721 is typically ordered by clinicians to evaluate patients with atherosclerosis for an increase in the level of LDL cholesterol. This increase may further elevate the risk of stroke or heart attack. The test can be performed on various patient specimens, and the lab analyst must use a methodology such as ultracentrifugation to separate the components of the sample.

5. When to use CPT code 83721

CPT code 83721 should be used when there is a need to directly measure the level of LDL cholesterol in a patient specimen. It is appropriate to bill this code when the lab analyst performs the test and obtains the measurement of LDL cholesterol. This code should not be used for measuring other lipoproteins or cholesterol components.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 83721, the documentation should include:

• Patient’s clinical indication for the test
• Methodology used for the direct measurement of LDL cholesterol
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the measurement
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 83721, ensure that the test is performed to directly measure LDL cholesterol in a patient specimen. It should not be reported with other lipoprotein or cholesterol measurement codes. Additionally, some payers may separately reimburse for the collection of the specimen using a code such as 36415.

8. Historical information

CPT 83721 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. The code was later changed on January 1, 2006, to its current description of ‘Lipoprotein, direct measurement; LDL cholesterol.’

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs a test to directly measure the LDL cholesterol level in a patient’s blood sample.
2. Using ultracentrifugation, the lab analyst separates the components of the blood sample and adds an enzyme reagent to form a colored product.
3. The lab analyst detects and measures the LDL cholesterol level based on the color of the product.
4. After performing the test, the lab analyst records the measurement of LDL cholesterol in the patient’s specimen.
5. Another lab analyst performs the direct measurement of LDL cholesterol in a different patient’s blood sample using the same methodology.
6. Based on the color reaction, the lab analyst determines the LDL cholesterol level in the second patient’s specimen.
7. A third lab analyst performs the test on a patient’s serum sample to directly measure the LDL cholesterol level.
8. Using a different methodology, the lab analyst separates the components of the serum sample and adds an enzyme reagent to detect and measure the LDL cholesterol.
9. The lab analyst records the measurement of LDL cholesterol in the patient’s serum specimen.
10. Another lab analyst performs the direct measurement of LDL cholesterol in a patient’s plasma sample using a modified methodology.