How To Use CPT Code 83921

CPT 83921 describes the procedure for measuring a single organic acid analyte in various specimen types. 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 83921?

CPT 83921 can be used to measure a single organic acid analyte in different specimen types. This code is used when a lab analyst performs the technical steps to quantitate the specific organic acid ordered by the clinician. The specimen type may vary depending on the analyte requested, such as serum, plasma, urine, amniotic fluid, or blood spot.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 83921 is: ‘Organic acid, single, quantitative.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst selects the specific organic acid analyte ordered by the clinician.
2. The lab analyst performs the technical steps to quantitate the organic acid using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.
3. The specimen type used for the analysis depends on the specific organic acid ordered and may include serum, plasma, urine, amniotic fluid, or blood spot.
4. The mass spectrometer bombards the sample with electrons and identifies the particles based on their fragmentation pattern.
5. The lab analyst obtains the quantitative measurement of the organic acid analyte.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 83921 is ordered by clinicians in various circumstances. It may be ordered in response to a screening organic acid test that revealed an abnormality requiring further clarification, especially in infants with positive newborn screening results. Additionally, clinicians may order a specific organic acid test to aid in the diagnosis of nutritional and other conditions related to a single, specific organic acid abnormality.

5. When to use CPT code 83921

CPT code 83921 should be used when a clinician orders a single organic acid test for quantitative measurement. It is appropriate for any specimen source not specifically listed in another code. This code should not be used for testing multiple organic acids or for qualitative analysis.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 83921, the clinician must document the following information:

• The reason for ordering the specific organic acid test
• The specimen type used for the analysis
• The date of the test
• The quantitative measurement of the organic acid analyte
• Any additional relevant clinical information

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 83921, ensure that the test is performed by a qualified lab analyst and that the specific organic acid analyte is measured. This code should not be reported with other codes unless necessary for additional testing or analysis. It is important to consider the specific circumstances and requirements of the payer when submitting the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 83921 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2001. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A clinician orders a quantitative measurement of methylmalonic acid in a patient’s urine sample using CPT code 83921.
2. A lab analyst performs a single organic acid test on a blood spot specimen to quantitate a specific analyte, using CPT code 83921.
3. A clinician orders a quantitative measurement of a specific organic acid in a patient’s amniotic fluid sample using CPT code 83921.
4. A lab analyst uses CPT code 83921 to measure a single organic acid analyte in a patient’s plasma sample.
5. A clinician orders a quantitative measurement of a specific organic acid in a patient’s serum sample using CPT code 83921.
6. A lab analyst performs a single organic acid test on a urine specimen to quantitate a specific analyte, using CPT code 83921.
7. A clinician orders a quantitative measurement of a specific organic acid in a patient’s blood spot sample using CPT code 83921.
8. A lab analyst uses CPT code 83921 to measure a single organic acid analyte in a patient’s amniotic fluid sample.
9. A clinician orders a quantitative measurement of a specific organic acid in a patient’s plasma sample using CPT code 83921.
10. A lab analyst performs a single organic acid test on a serum specimen to quantitate a specific analyte, using CPT code 83921.