How To Use CPT Code 84255

CPT 84255 describes the measurement of selenium, typically in patient blood or urine. 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 84255?

CPT 84255 can be used to measure the levels of selenium in patient blood or urine. This code is used when a lab analyst performs the necessary steps to mix the specimen with specific substances and uses methods such as mass spectrometry to identify and measure the selenium present.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 84255 is: ‘Measurement of selenium.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a specimen, such as patient blood or urine, for testing.
2. The analyst performs the necessary steps to mix the specimen with specific substances to measure selenium.
3. The test may use methods such as mass spectrometry, where electrons bombard the atoms or molecules from the sample.
4. An electric or magnetic field is applied to identify the resulting elements or molecules by their masses or characteristic fragmentation pattern.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 84255 is typically ordered by clinicians to evaluate patients for selenium deficiency or increased levels. Selenium deficiency can cause damage to cell membranes, especially in cardiac muscle, and may result from an improper diet or administration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Increased levels of selenium may be the result of occupational exposure.

5. When to use CPT code 84255

CPT code 84255 should be used when there is a clinical need to measure selenium levels in patient blood or urine. It is important to note that this code is not limited to testing for a specific condition but can be used to evaluate patients for selenium deficiency or increased levels.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 84255, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as evaluating for selenium deficiency or increased levels
• Details of the specimen collected, such as patient blood or urine
• Specific substances used to mix the specimen for testing
• Method used for measurement, such as mass spectrometry
• Results of the test, including the measured selenium levels
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 84255, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst and that the necessary steps are followed to measure selenium levels. It is important to note that some payers may separately reimburse for specimen collection using a different code, such as 36415 for venous blood collection.

8. Historical information

CPT 84255 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 selenium levels in a patient’s blood sample to evaluate for selenium deficiency.
2. A clinician orders a selenium test for a patient with occupational exposure to assess their selenium levels.
3. A lab analyst performs a selenium measurement in a urine sample to evaluate for increased selenium levels.
4. A patient on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) undergoes a selenium test to monitor their selenium levels.
5. A clinician orders a selenium test for a patient with cardiac muscle damage to assess their selenium levels.
6. A lab analyst measures selenium levels in a patient’s blood sample to evaluate the effectiveness of their dietary selenium intake.
7. A clinician orders a selenium test for a patient with symptoms of selenium deficiency, such as hair loss and muscle weakness.
8. A lab analyst performs a selenium measurement in a urine sample to assess the patient’s selenium levels after occupational exposure.
9. A patient undergoing chemotherapy undergoes a selenium test to monitor their selenium levels during treatment.
10. A clinician orders a selenium test for a patient with suspected selenium toxicity to assess their selenium levels.