How To Use CPT Code 83861

CPT 83861 describes the microfluidic analysis of tear osmolarity using an integrated collection and analysis device. 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 83861?

CPT 83861 can be used to describe the microfluidic analysis of tear osmolarity in patients with dry eye disease. This code is used when a lab analyst performs a test to analyze the concentration of salt in tears using an integrated collection and analysis device.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 83861 is: ‘Microfluidic analysis utilizing an integrated collection and analysis device, tear osmolarity.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a small sample of tear (0.2 L) from the patient’s eye using a micropipette.
2. The sample is then cooled to its freezing point.
3. If the osmolarity of the tear is high, the sample will not freeze at its typical freezing point.
4. The analyst compares the freezing point of the sample with established values to determine the tear osmolarity.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 83861 is used for patients with dry eye disease, where the osmolarity of tears is higher than normal. Symptoms of dry eye disease include a burning or scratchy sensation, increased irritation from smoke or wind, and stinging in the eyes. The test is performed by a lab analyst using an integrated collection and analysis device.

5. When to use CPT code 83861

CPT code 83861 should be used when a lab analyst performs microfluidic analysis of tear osmolarity using an integrated collection and analysis device. This code is specific to the analysis of tear osmolarity and should not be used for other types of tear tests.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 83861, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of dry eye disease
• Details of the microfluidic analysis procedure
• Date and time of the analysis
• Results of the tear osmolarity test
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 83861, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst using an integrated collection and analysis device. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 83861 with other codes. However, it is important to follow any applicable bundling or unbundling rules when reporting multiple services.

8. Historical information

CPT 83861 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2011. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performing microfluidic analysis of tear osmolarity using an integrated collection and analysis device to diagnose dry eye disease in a patient.
2. A patient with symptoms of dry eye disease undergoing a tear osmolarity test using an integrated collection and analysis device.
3. A lab analyst comparing the freezing point of a tear sample with established values to determine tear osmolarity in a patient with dry eye disease.
4. A tear osmolarity test being performed on both eyes of a patient with dry eye disease using the microfluidic analysis method.
5. A lab analyst documenting the results of a tear osmolarity test performed using an integrated collection and analysis device for a patient with dry eye disease.
6. A patient with dry eye disease undergoing a tear osmolarity test to monitor the effectiveness of their treatment using an integrated collection and analysis device.
7. A lab analyst analyzing the tear osmolarity of a patient with dry eye disease to determine the severity of their condition using an integrated collection and analysis device.
8. A tear osmolarity test being performed on a patient with dry eye disease to assess the impact of environmental factors using an integrated collection and analysis device.
9. A lab analyst using an integrated collection and analysis device to perform a tear osmolarity test on a patient with dry eye disease and provide recommendations for treatment.
10. A patient with dry eye disease undergoing a tear osmolarity test to evaluate the effectiveness of their current treatment plan using an integrated collection and analysis device.