How To Use CPT Code 84150

CPT 84150 describes the measurement of a specific prostaglandin level in a patient specimen, such as a random or 24-hour urine collection. 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 84150?

CPT 84150 can be used to measure the level of a specific prostaglandin in a patient specimen, such as urine. Prostaglandins are fatty compounds that act like hormones to regulate various body functions, including muscle contraction. The test is performed by a lab analyst using procedures like immunoassays, which utilize specific antibodies to form antigen-antibody complexes and produce colorimetric changes. By measuring the amount of light absorbed by the sample at a specific wavelength, the lab analyst can determine the level of the prostaglandin of interest in the specimen.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 84150 is: ‘Prostaglandin, each.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst receives a patient specimen, such as a random or 24-hour urine collection.
2. The lab analyst selects the specific prostaglandin of interest to measure.
3. The lab analyst performs an immunoassay using antibodies specific to the prostaglandin of interest to form an antigen-antibody complex.
4. The antigen-antibody complex produces a colorimetric change.
5. The lab analyst uses a colorimeter to measure the amount of light absorbed by the sample at a specific wavelength.
6. The level of the prostaglandin of interest in the specimen is determined based on the measured light absorption.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 84150 is used when clinicians need to evaluate the level of a specific prostaglandin in a patient specimen, such as urine. This test is not limited to a specific condition but may be ordered as an early, noninvasive indicator of systemic mast cell disease. Elevated levels of 11 Beta prostaglandin F2 alpha, a breakdown product of prostaglandin D2, may indicate the presence of systemic mast cell disease. Systemic mast cell disease results in a build-up of mast cells in the body, leading to symptoms like itching, flushing, rapid heartbeat, and lightheadedness.

5. When to use CPT code 84150

CPT code 84150 should be used when clinicians need to measure the level of a specific prostaglandin in a patient specimen, such as urine. It is not limited to testing for a specific condition but can be used as an indicator of systemic mast cell disease.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 84150, the documentation should include:

• Indication of why the test was ordered
• Details of the specific prostaglandin being measured
• Date and time of the specimen collection
• Results of the test, including the measured level of the prostaglandin
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 84150, ensure that the test is performed to measure the level of a specific prostaglandin in a patient specimen. It is important to report only one unit of this code for evaluating a single prostaglandin level in the specimen. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting this code with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 84150 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst measures the level of prostaglandin E2 in a patient’s urine specimen to evaluate their inflammatory response.
2. A clinician orders a test to measure the level of prostaglandin F2 alpha in a patient’s urine to assess their systemic mast cell disease.
3. A lab analyst performs a test to measure the level of prostaglandin D2 in a patient’s urine specimen to monitor their response to a specific medication.
4. A clinician requests a test to measure the level of prostaglandin I2 in a patient’s urine to evaluate their vascular function.
5. A lab analyst measures the level of prostaglandin E1 in a patient’s urine specimen to assess their renal function.
6. A clinician orders a test to measure the level of prostaglandin F1 alpha in a patient’s urine to investigate their reproductive health.
7. A lab analyst performs a test to measure the level of prostaglandin D1 in a patient’s urine specimen to evaluate their gastrointestinal function.
8. A clinician requests a test to measure the level of prostaglandin I1 in a patient’s urine to assess their cardiovascular health.
9. A lab analyst measures the level of prostaglandin E3 in a patient’s urine specimen to investigate their immune response.
10. A clinician orders a test to measure the level of prostaglandin F3 alpha in a patient’s urine to evaluate their ocular health.