How To Use CPT Code 83919

CPT 83919 describes the qualitative analysis of organic acids in a random urine specimen. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 83919?

CPT 83919 can be used to identify the presence of abnormal organic acids in a random urine specimen. This qualitative test is typically performed to detect inherited or genetic defects that affect metabolic pathways and can result in various symptoms such as lethargy, coma, ataxia, and other life-threatening conditions.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 83919 is: ‘Organic acids; qualitative, each specimen.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical steps to detect the presence of organic acids in a random urine specimen.
2. The qualitative analysis is commonly done using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, where the sample is bombarded with electrons and the resulting analyte is identified based on its mass or characteristic fragmentation pattern.
3. More than 60 organic substances can be identified through this test, primarily those resulting from inherited or genetic defects that affect metabolic pathways.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 83919 is typically ordered when there are symptoms suggesting the presence of abnormal organic acids related to an inherited or genetic defect. The test is not limited to a specific condition and can be used to identify various abnormalities. Urine is the most common specimen used for this analysis.

5. When to use CPT code 83919

CPT code 83919 should be used when a qualitative analysis of organic acids is performed on a random urine specimen. It is important to note that only one unit of service should be reported for all analytes identified from one specimen tested, rather than reporting one unit for each reported analyte.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 83919, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test and symptoms suggesting the presence of abnormal organic acids
• Details of the methodology used, such as gas chromatography and mass spectrometry
• Date and time of the analysis
• Results of the qualitative analysis, including any abnormal findings
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 83919, ensure that the qualitative analysis of organic acids in a random urine specimen is performed. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting this code with other codes. However, it is important to follow any payer-specific requirements and guidelines for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 83919 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1999. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with symptoms of ataxia, and a qualitative analysis of organic acids in a random urine specimen is performed to identify any abnormal metabolic pathways.
2. A newborn exhibits lethargy and coma, prompting the ordering of a qualitative analysis of organic acids in a random urine specimen to investigate potential inherited or genetic defects.
3. A patient with unexplained weakness undergoes a qualitative analysis of organic acids in a random urine specimen to assess for abnormal metabolic pathways.
4. A child presents with developmental delays, and a qualitative analysis of organic acids in a random urine specimen is performed to investigate potential inherited or genetic defects affecting metabolic pathways.
5. A patient experiences recurrent episodes of metabolic acidosis, leading to the ordering of a qualitative analysis of organic acids in a random urine specimen to identify any abnormal organic acid profiles.
6. A patient with suspected metabolic disorders undergoes a qualitative analysis of organic acids in a random urine specimen to assess for abnormal metabolic pathways.
7. A child presents with neurologic symptoms, and a qualitative analysis of organic acids in a random urine specimen is performed to investigate potential inherited or genetic defects affecting metabolic pathways.
8. A patient exhibits symptoms of lethargy and ataxia, prompting the ordering of a qualitative analysis of organic acids in a random urine specimen to assess for abnormal metabolic pathways.
9. A newborn displays signs of coma, and a qualitative analysis of organic acids in a random urine specimen is performed to investigate potential inherited or genetic defects affecting metabolic pathways.
10. A patient with suspected metabolic disorders undergoes a qualitative analysis of organic acids in a random urine specimen to assess for abnormal metabolic pathways.