How To Use CPT Code 84160

CPT 84160 describes the measurement of total protein in various specimens using the refractometry method. 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 84160?

CPT 84160 can be used to measure the total protein level in different specimens, such as serum, plasma, urine, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or synovial fluid. The refractometry method is employed to evaluate the refractive index of the solution, which indicates the total protein content. This test is not specific to any particular condition but can help assess conditions that result in abnormal protein levels in body fluids.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 84160 is: ‘Protein, total, by refractometry, any source.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a specimen, such as serum, plasma, urine, CSF, or synovial fluid.
2. The collected specimen is subjected to the refractometry method, which measures the refractive index of the solution.
3. The refractive index is used to determine the total protein level in the specimen.
4. The lab analyst records the results and reports them to the healthcare provider for further interpretation and diagnosis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 84160 can be used when there is a need to evaluate the total protein level in various body fluids. This test can help assess conditions related to abnormal protein levels, such as kidney function, central nervous system pathologies, and infections. It is important to note that this code is specific to the refractometry method and can be used for any source of specimen.

5. When to use CPT code 84160

CPT code 84160 should be used when there is a requirement to measure the total protein level in a specimen using the refractometry method. It is important to select this code specifically for refractometry and not for other methods of protein measurement. Additionally, the code can be used for any source of specimen, including serum, plasma, urine, CSF, or synovial fluid.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 84160, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• The source of the specimen (e.g., serum, plasma, urine, CSF, or synovial fluid)
• The date and time of specimen collection
• The results of the refractometry test indicating the total protein level
• Any relevant clinical information or indications for performing the test
• The signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 84160, ensure that the refractometry method is used to measure the total protein level in the specimen. It is important to select this code specifically for refractometry and not for other methods of protein measurement. Additionally, there are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 84160 with other codes, but it is essential to accurately document the medical necessity and indication for performing the test.

8. Historical information

CPT 84160 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2004, with the description being updated to ‘Protein; refractometric.’

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst measures the total protein level in a patient’s serum using the refractometry method.
2. A healthcare provider orders a test to evaluate the total protein level in a patient’s urine, which is performed using the refractometry method.
3. A lab analyst assesses the total protein level in a patient’s CSF using the refractometry method to aid in the diagnosis of a central nervous system pathology.
4. A specimen of synovial fluid is collected from a patient, and the lab analyst measures the total protein level using the refractometry method to evaluate joint-related conditions.
5. A healthcare provider requests a test to assess the total protein level in a patient’s plasma, which is performed using the refractometry method.
6. A lab analyst measures the total protein level in a patient’s urine using the refractometry method to aid in the evaluation of kidney function.
7. A healthcare provider orders a test to assess the total protein level in a patient’s serum, which is performed using the refractometry method to aid in the diagnosis of an infection.
8. A lab analyst measures the total protein level in a patient’s CSF using the refractometry method to aid in the evaluation of a suspected central nervous system pathology.
9. A specimen of synovial fluid is collected from a patient, and the lab analyst measures the total protein level using the refractometry method to aid in the diagnosis of joint-related conditions.
10. A healthcare provider requests a test to assess the total protein level in a patient’s plasma, which is performed using the refractometry method to aid in the evaluation of kidney function.