How To Use CPT Code 83825

CPT 83825 describes the quantitative measurement of mercury in a patient’s specimen to determine if there is a toxic level of the metal in their body. 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 83825?

CPT 83825 can be used to measure the amount of mercury in a patient’s specimen, such as blood or urine, to determine if there is a toxic level of the metal in their body. This code is used when a lab analyst performs a test using mass spectrometry to vaporize the sample and measure the ions produced, providing data for calculating the exact amount of mercury present. A normal level of mercury in the body is 0 to 10 mg/L.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 83825 is: ‘Mercury, quantitative.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a specimen from the patient, such as blood or urine, through routine vein puncture.
2. The lab analyst performs a test using mass spectrometry to vaporize the sample and ionize the components with an electron beam.
3. The ions separate according to their mass to charge ratio with the help of electromagnetic fields.
4. A detector identifies and measures these ions, providing data for calculating the amount of mercury present in the sample.
5. The lab analyst quantitates the analyte, determining the exact amount of mercury in the patient’s specimen.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 83825 is used for patients who exhibit symptoms suggestive of mercury poisoning, such as itching, burning, numbness, skin color changes, skin shedding, or swelling. The provider orders this test to detect the level of mercury in the body. Mercury poisoning can occur due to contamination of food and air with mercury.

5. When to use CPT code 83825

CPT code 83825 should be used when a provider orders a quantitative measurement of mercury in a patient’s specimen to determine if there is a toxic level of the metal in their body. It is not appropriate to use this code for other purposes or when testing for different substances.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 83825, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as symptoms suggestive of mercury poisoning
• Type of specimen collected, such as blood or urine
• Date and time of specimen collection
• Methodology used for the test, such as mass spectrometry
• Results of the test, including the measured amount of mercury
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 83825, ensure that the test is performed by a qualified lab analyst using mass spectrometry. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding the reporting of this code. Additionally, if specimen collection is separately reimbursable, it should be reported with the appropriate collection code, such as 36415 for venous blood collection.

8. Historical information

CPT 83825 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 patient presents with symptoms of mercury poisoning, including skin color changes and numbness. The provider orders a quantitative measurement of mercury in the patient’s blood using CPT code 83825.
2. A patient who works in a mercury-contaminated environment undergoes routine testing to monitor their mercury levels. The lab analyst performs a quantitative measurement of mercury in the patient’s urine using CPT code 83825.
3. A patient with suspected mercury poisoning due to consuming contaminated fish undergoes a quantitative measurement of mercury in their blood using CPT code 83825.
4. A patient with symptoms suggestive of mercury poisoning, such as itching and burning, undergoes a quantitative measurement of mercury in their urine using CPT code 83825.
5. A patient who has been exposed to mercury vapor in an industrial accident undergoes a quantitative measurement of mercury in their blood using CPT code 83825.
6. A patient with symptoms of mercury poisoning, including skin shedding and swelling, undergoes a quantitative measurement of mercury in their urine using CPT code 83825.
7. A patient who frequently consumes fish known to be high in mercury undergoes routine testing to monitor their mercury levels. The lab analyst performs a quantitative measurement of mercury in the patient’s blood using CPT code 83825.
8. A patient with symptoms suggestive of mercury poisoning, such as numbness and burning, undergoes a quantitative measurement of mercury in their urine using CPT code 83825.
9. A patient who works in a dental office where mercury is used undergoes routine testing to monitor their mercury levels. The lab analyst performs a quantitative measurement of mercury in the patient’s blood using CPT code 83825.
10. A patient with symptoms of mercury poisoning, including itching and skin color changes, undergoes a quantitative measurement of mercury in their urine using CPT code 83825.