How To Use CPT Code 83937

CPT 83937 describes the measurement of osteocalcin, also known as bone g1a protein, which is essential for bone formation. 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 83937?

CPT 83937 is used to measure the amount of osteocalcin, a protein that plays a crucial role in bone formation. This test is typically performed on serum or plasma samples and can provide valuable information about bone density and the effectiveness of bone-building drug therapy. Osteocalcin is also known as bone g1a protein or BGP.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 83937 is: ‘Osteocalcin (bone g1a protein) measurement.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs technical steps using laboratory methods, such as ELISA or ECLIA, to detect the amount of osteocalcin in serum or plasma samples.
2. The test may involve automated laboratory instrumentation or manual assay kits.
3. The osteocalcin measurement can indicate bone density and the response to bone-building drug therapy.
4. High levels of osteocalcin may be associated with conditions that increase bone turnover, such as metastatic bone cancer, Paget’s disease, hyperparathyroidism, osteoporosis, and treatment with bone formation drugs.
5. Low levels of osteocalcin are commonly found in patients undergoing long-term corticosteroid treatment.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 83937 may be ordered by a healthcare provider to evaluate the effectiveness of medication taken to increase bone mineral density in patients with osteoporosis. It is not limited to testing for a specific condition but can provide valuable information about bone health and response to treatment.

5. When to use CPT code 83937

CPT code 83937 should be used when measuring the amount of osteocalcin in serum or plasma samples. It is appropriate for evaluating bone density and monitoring the response to bone-building drug therapy. This code should be used when the test is performed, regardless of the specific condition being evaluated.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 83937, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as evaluating bone density or monitoring response to treatment
• Type of laboratory method used, such as ELISA or ECLIA
• Date of the test
• Results of the osteocalcin measurement
• Any additional relevant information, such as the patient’s medication history or previous bone density measurements

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 83937, ensure that the test is performed to measure osteocalcin in serum or plasma samples. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting this code with other codes. However, it is important to follow any applicable bundling or unbundling rules and to provide appropriate documentation to support the medical necessity of the test.

8. Historical information

CPT 83937 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1994. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider orders CPT 83937 to measure osteocalcin levels in a patient with osteoporosis to evaluate the effectiveness of their bone-building drug therapy.
2. A patient undergoing long-term corticosteroid treatment has CPT 83937 performed to monitor their osteocalcin levels and assess their bone health.
3. A healthcare provider orders CPT 83937 to measure osteocalcin levels in a patient with metastatic bone cancer to evaluate the extent of bone turnover.
4. A patient with Paget’s disease undergoes CPT 83937 to monitor their osteocalcin levels and assess the progression of the disease.
5. A healthcare provider orders CPT 83937 to measure osteocalcin levels in a patient with hyperparathyroidism to evaluate their bone health and response to treatment.
6. A patient with osteoporosis undergoes CPT 83937 to monitor their osteocalcin levels and assess the effectiveness of their bone-building drug therapy.
7. A healthcare provider orders CPT 83937 to measure osteocalcin levels in a patient with osteoporosis to evaluate their bone density and response to treatment.
8. A patient with osteoporosis undergoes CPT 83937 to monitor their osteocalcin levels and assess the effectiveness of their bone-building drug therapy.
9. A healthcare provider orders CPT 83937 to measure osteocalcin levels in a patient with osteoporosis to evaluate their bone density and response to treatment.
10. A patient with osteoporosis undergoes CPT 83937 to monitor their osteocalcin levels and assess the effectiveness of their bone-building drug therapy.