How To Use CPT Code 84252

CPT 84252 describes the measurement of riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, typically in patient blood. 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 84252?

CPT 84252 can be used to measure the levels of riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, in a patient’s blood. This test is typically ordered by clinicians to evaluate patients for ariboflavinosis, a nutritional deficiency that can cause various symptoms such as lip and mouth lesions, a bright pink tongue, sore throat, anemia, and skin disorders.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 84252 is: ‘Riboflavin (Vitamin B-2).’ This code is used to measure the levels of riboflavin in patient blood.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the necessary steps to mix the patient’s blood specimen with specific substances to measure riboflavin.
2. The test may utilize methods such as mass spectrometry, where electrons bombard the atoms or molecules from the sample, and an electric or magnetic field is applied.
3. The resulting elements or molecules are identified by their masses or characteristic fragmentation patterns.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 84252 is typically ordered by clinicians to evaluate patients for ariboflavinosis, a nutritional deficiency that can cause various symptoms. It is not limited to testing for a specific condition, but rather used to measure the levels of riboflavin in patient blood.

5. When to use CPT code 84252

CPT code 84252 should be used when a clinician orders a test to measure the levels of riboflavin in a patient’s blood. It is typically used to evaluate patients for ariboflavinosis, a nutritional deficiency that can cause specific symptoms. This code should not be used for any other purposes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 84252, the clinician must document the following information:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as evaluating the patient for ariboflavinosis
• Date of the test
• Results of the test, indicating the levels of riboflavin in the patient’s blood
• Signature of the clinician ordering the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 84252, ensure that the test is ordered by a clinician and performed to measure the levels of riboflavin in a patient’s blood. This code should not be reported with other codes unless specifically instructed by the payer. It is important to follow any additional guidelines provided by the payer for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 84252 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A clinician orders CPT 84252 to measure the levels of riboflavin in a patient’s blood to evaluate them for ariboflavinosis.
2. A patient presents with symptoms of lip and mouth lesions, a bright pink tongue, and skin disorders. The clinician orders CPT 84252 to measure their riboflavin levels and assess for ariboflavinosis.
3. A clinician suspects a nutritional deficiency in a patient and orders CPT 84252 to measure their riboflavin levels as part of the diagnostic process.
4. A patient with anemia undergoes a blood test, including CPT 84252, to evaluate their riboflavin levels and assess for potential nutritional deficiencies.
5. A clinician monitors the riboflavin levels of a patient with a known history of ariboflavinosis using CPT 84252 to ensure their levels are within the normal range.
6. A patient with skin disorders undergoes a blood test, including CPT 84252, to measure their riboflavin levels and assess for potential nutritional deficiencies contributing to their condition.
7. A clinician orders CPT 84252 as part of a comprehensive nutritional assessment for a patient with various symptoms, including sore throat and anemia.
8. A patient with a bright pink tongue undergoes a blood test, including CPT 84252, to evaluate their riboflavin levels and assess for potential nutritional deficiencies.
9. A clinician orders CPT 84252 to measure the riboflavin levels in a patient’s blood as part of a routine check-up to ensure their nutritional status is optimal.
10. A patient with a history of skin disorders undergoes a blood test, including CPT 84252, to monitor their riboflavin levels and assess for potential nutritional deficiencies contributing to their condition.