How To Use CPT Code 84155

CPT 84155 describes the quantitation of total protein in a serum, plasma, or whole blood specimen using various assay methods, excluding refractometry. 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 84155?

CPT 84155 can be used to describe the laboratory test performed by a lab analyst to measure the quantity of total protein in a serum, plasma, or whole blood specimen. This code excludes refractometry and utilizes various assay methods such as the biuret reaction and dye binding. Total protein is a crucial component of blood fluid and can vary in different clinical conditions.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 84155 is: ‘Protein, total, except by refractometry; serum, plasma or whole blood.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs technical steps to measure total protein using assay methods like the biuret reaction and dye binding.
2. The lab analyst uses automated laboratory equipment to detect peptide bonds with a chemical base and copper ions.
3. Total protein consists of albumin and globulin, which are important components in maintaining fluidic pressure in the circulatory system and the immune system, respectively.
4. The lab analyst quantitates total protein in a serum, plasma, or whole blood specimen.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 84155 is used when there is a need to measure total protein in patients with clinical conditions such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, chronic inflammation, malnutrition, kidney disease, and liver disorders. The test must be performed by a lab analyst using various assay methods, excluding refractometry.

5. When to use CPT code 84155

CPT code 84155 should be used when there is a need to quantitate total protein in a serum, plasma, or whole blood specimen using assay methods other than refractometry. It is appropriate to bill this code for each instance of measuring total protein in a patient’s specimen.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 84155, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis or clinical condition warranting the total protein measurement
• Specific assay method used to measure total protein
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the total protein measurement
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 84155, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst using various assay methods, excluding refractometry. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by payers regarding specimen collection, as some may require separate billing for specimen collection using a different code. Additionally, consider any applicable modifiers or additional codes that may need to be reported in conjunction with CPT 84155.

8. Historical information

CPT 84155 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. Since its addition, there have been a few changes to the code, including updates to the description and code structure.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performing a total protein measurement in a serum specimen of a patient with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
2. Quantitating total protein in a plasma specimen of a patient with chronic inflammation.
3. Measuring total protein in a whole blood specimen of a patient with malnutrition.
4. Performing a total protein test in a serum specimen of a patient with liver disorder.
5. Quantifying total protein in a plasma specimen of a patient with kidney disease.
6. Measuring total protein in a whole blood specimen of a patient with multiple myeloma.
7. Performing a total protein test in a serum specimen of a patient with no clinical conditions but for routine health screening.
8. Quantitating total protein in a plasma specimen of a patient with no clinical conditions but for preoperative evaluation.
9. Measuring total protein in a whole blood specimen of a patient with no clinical conditions but for a general health check-up.
10. Performing a total protein test in a serum specimen of a patient with no clinical conditions but for monitoring overall health.