How To Use CPT Code 84134

CPT 84134 describes the measurement of prealbumin levels in a patient specimen, such as serum. 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 84134?

CPT 84134 can be used to measure the levels of prealbumin in a patient specimen, typically serum. Prealbumin is a protein produced in the liver and released into the blood, which helps the body build other proteins from nutritional elements. This code is used when a lab analyst performs a test to evaluate the prealbumin levels in a patient specimen.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 84134 is: ‘The lab analyst performs a test to evaluate the level of prealbumin in a patient specimen such as serum.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst receives a patient specimen, such as serum, for testing.
2. The lab analyst prepares the specimen by adding reagents to facilitate the desired change or reaction.
3. The lab analyst analyzes the specimen using an instrument, such as a nephelometer, which measures suspended particles in a solution.
4. The instrument reports the level of prealbumin in the patient specimen based on the analysis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 84134 is typically ordered by clinicians to help diagnose malnutrition. Low serum prealbumin concentration may indicate malnutrition, although other factors, such as inflammation, can interfere with the test. Repeat tests may be ordered to monitor a patient’s nutritional status. The test can be performed on any patient specimen, such as serum, that contains prealbumin.

5. When to use CPT code 84134

CPT code 84134 should be used when a lab analyst performs a test to measure the levels of prealbumin in a patient specimen, such as serum. It is appropriate to bill this code when the test is ordered to evaluate a patient’s nutritional status or to help diagnose malnutrition.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 84134, the following documentation should be included:

• Patient’s information and the reason for ordering the test
• Details of the specimen used, such as serum
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the test, including the level of prealbumin in the patient specimen
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 84134, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst on a patient specimen, such as serum. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding the billing of this code. Some payers may also separately reimburse for the collection of the specimen using a different code, such as 36415 for venous blood collection.

8. Historical information

CPT 84134 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performing a test to measure the prealbumin levels in a patient’s serum specimen to evaluate their nutritional status.
2. A clinician ordering a prealbumin test to help diagnose malnutrition in a patient and monitor their nutritional status over time.
3. A lab technician analyzing a serum specimen for prealbumin levels to assess a patient’s response to nutritional interventions.
4. A healthcare provider ordering a prealbumin test to evaluate a patient’s nutritional status before and after surgery.
5. A lab analyst performing a prealbumin test on a serum specimen to assess a patient’s nutritional status in a long-term care facility.
6. A clinician ordering a prealbumin test to monitor the nutritional status of a patient with a chronic illness.
7. A lab technician analyzing a serum specimen for prealbumin levels to assess a patient’s nutritional status during pregnancy.
8. A healthcare provider ordering a prealbumin test to evaluate the nutritional status of a patient with gastrointestinal disorders.
9. A lab analyst performing a prealbumin test on a serum specimen to assess the nutritional status of a patient undergoing chemotherapy.
10. A clinician ordering a prealbumin test to monitor the nutritional status of a patient with liver disease.