How To Use CPT Code 83986

CPT 83986 describes the measurement of pH, which indicates the acidity or alkalinity, of a body fluid that is not represented by any other code. 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 83986?

CPT 83986 can be used to measure the pH of a body fluid that is not covered by any other specific code. This code is used when the analyst performs the technical lab test to evaluate the acidity or alkalinity of the fluid. Various methods, such as pH meters, blood gas analyzers, or litmus paper, may be used by the analyst to measure the pH.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 83986 is: ‘pH; body fluid, not otherwise specified.’

3. Procedure

1. The analyst performs the technical lab test to measure the pH of a body fluid that is not represented by any other specific code.
2. The analyst may use methods such as a pH meter, blood gas analyzer, or litmus paper to evaluate the acidity or alkalinity of the fluid.
3. The specific laboratory protocol and type of fluid being tested will determine the method used by the analyst.
4. Various body fluids can be analyzed, including peritoneal, pericardial, pleural, cerebral spinal fluid, synovial, and amniotic fluid.
5. For example, blood gas machines with dedicated electrodes or pH-specific meters with electrodes may be used to measure the pH of these fluids.
6. Chemically reactive reagent strips can also be immersed in the fluid to measure the pH.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 83986 is used when the analyst performs the pH measurement of a body fluid that is not covered by any other specific code. This code can be used for various body fluids, including peritoneal, pericardial, pleural, cerebral spinal fluid, synovial, and amniotic fluid. The specific laboratory protocol and type of fluid being tested will determine the method used by the analyst to measure the pH.

5. When to use CPT code 83986

CPT code 83986 should be used when there is a need to measure the pH of a body fluid that is not represented by any other specific code. This code is appropriate when the analyst performs the technical lab test to evaluate the acidity or alkalinity of the fluid using methods such as pH meters, blood gas analyzers, or litmus paper.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 83986, the documentation should include:

• Identification of the specific body fluid tested
• Method used to measure the pH, such as pH meter, blood gas analyzer, or litmus paper
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the pH measurement
• Signature of the analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 83986, ensure that the pH measurement is performed on a body fluid that is not covered by any other specific code. Follow the appropriate guidelines for reporting the code and consider any additional codes that may need to be reported in conjunction with CPT 83986. It is important to accurately document and code the pH measurement to ensure proper reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT code 83986 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. On January 1, 2010, the code description was changed to ‘pH, body fluid, except blood.’

9. Examples

1. An analyst measures the pH of peritoneal fluid using a pH meter.
2. A blood gas analyzer is used to measure the pH of pleural fluid by an analyst.
3. An analyst evaluates the pH of cerebral spinal fluid using litmus paper.
4. The pH of synovial fluid is measured by an analyst using a pH-specific meter.
5. An analyst uses a blood gas machine with a dedicated electrode to measure the pH of amniotic fluid.