How To Use CPT Code 83876

CPT 83876 describes the measurement of myeloperoxidase (MPO), an enzyme found in neutrophils, 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 83876?

CPT 83876 can be used to measure the level of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in a patient’s blood. MPO is an enzyme found in neutrophils and is responsible for giving pus and certain types of mucus a green color. This test is often ordered when a patient presents with chest pain but has normal electrocardiogram (EKG) and negative troponin test results. Elevated levels of MPO are considered a risk factor for heart attack and stroke, as MPO plays a role in the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) that leads to atherosclerosis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 83876 is: ‘Measurement of myeloperoxidase (eg, blood, urine, tissue)’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a patient specimen, typically blood, through routine vein puncture.
2. The lab analyst performs a test to measure the amount of myeloperoxidase in the patient specimen.
3. The lab analyst may use a methodology such as mass spectrometry to analyze the specimen.
4. In mass spectrometry, the sample is vaporized and ionized, and the resulting ions are separated and measured to calculate the amount of myeloperoxidase present.
5. A normal level of MPO in the blood typically ranges from 0.4 to 0.9 mcg.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 83876 is used when a provider wants to measure the level of myeloperoxidase in a patient’s blood, urine, or tissue. This test is often ordered when a patient presents with chest pain but has normal EKG and negative troponin test results. It can also be used to assess the risk of heart attack and stroke in individuals with elevated MPO levels. The test is performed by a lab analyst using a methodology such as mass spectrometry.

5. When to use CPT code 83876

CPT code 83876 should be used when a provider wants to measure the level of myeloperoxidase in a patient’s blood, urine, or tissue. It is typically ordered when a patient presents with chest pain but has normal EKG and negative troponin test results. The test helps assess the risk of heart attack and stroke in individuals with elevated MPO levels.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 83876, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as chest pain with normal EKG and negative troponin test results
• Type of specimen collected (blood, urine, tissue)
• Date and time of specimen collection
• Methodology used for analysis, such as mass spectrometry
• Result of the myeloperoxidase measurement
• Signature of the provider ordering the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 83876, ensure that the test is performed to measure the level of myeloperoxidase in a patient’s blood, urine, or tissue. It is important to include the appropriate diagnosis code that justifies the medical necessity of the test. Additionally, check with payers to determine if there are any specific requirements or guidelines for billing CPT 83876.

8. Historical information

CPT 83876 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2009. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider orders CPT 83876 to measure the level of myeloperoxidase in a patient’s blood to assess their risk of heart attack and stroke.
2. A patient presents with chest pain, normal EKG, and negative troponin test results. The provider orders CPT 83876 to determine if elevated myeloperoxidase levels may be contributing to the symptoms.
3. A provider suspects a patient may have myeloperoxidase enzyme deficiency and orders CPT 83876 to confirm the diagnosis.
4. A patient with a family history of heart disease undergoes CPT 83876 to assess their risk based on myeloperoxidase levels.
5. A provider orders CPT 83876 to monitor the effectiveness of treatment in reducing myeloperoxidase levels in a patient with atherosclerosis.
6. A patient with chronic respiratory symptoms undergoes CPT 83876 to investigate if elevated myeloperoxidase levels may be contributing to their condition.
7. A provider orders CPT 83876 to measure myeloperoxidase levels in a tissue sample to aid in the diagnosis of a suspected primary immune deficiency.
8. A patient with recurrent infections undergoes CPT 83876 to assess their myeloperoxidase levels as part of an immunodeficiency workup.
9. A provider orders CPT 83876 to measure myeloperoxidase levels in a urine sample to investigate a suspected urinary tract infection.
10. A patient with persistent cough and greenish sputum undergoes CPT 83876 to determine if elevated myeloperoxidase levels may be indicative of an underlying respiratory infection.