How To Use CPT Code 84302

CPT 84302 describes the measurement of sodium concentration in sources other than blood, plasma, serum, or urine, such as body fluids or stool specimens. 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 84302?

CPT 84302 can be used to measure the concentration of sodium in sources other than blood, plasma, serum, or urine. This code is used when the lab analyst performs a test to detect increased or decreased levels of sodium in body fluids or stool specimens. Sodium is an essential ion that regulates water content in the body and is obtained from diet and table salt. The test may use methods such as potentiometry, which measures the electrical activity created by dissolved sodium ions in a solution.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 84302 is: ‘Sodium; other source.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs a test to measure the concentration of sodium in sources other than blood, plasma, serum, or urine, such as body fluids or stool specimens.
2. The test may use methods such as potentiometry, in which electrodes specific for sodium ions measure the electrical activity created by dissolved sodium ions in a solution.
3. The test helps detect increased or decreased levels of sodium in the body.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 84302 is used when there is a need to measure the concentration of sodium in sources other than blood, plasma, serum, or urine. This test may be ordered by clinicians to evaluate patients with abnormal blood sodium levels and help determine the cause of the imbalance. It can also be useful in diagnosing causes of diarrhea or problems with absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, sodium testing in other body fluids may be used to monitor therapy for hyponatremia or hypernatremia.

5. When to use CPT code 84302

CPT code 84302 should be used when there is a need to measure the concentration of sodium in sources other than blood, plasma, serum, or urine. It is appropriate to bill this code when the lab analyst performs the test to detect increased or decreased levels of sodium in body fluids or stool specimens.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 84302, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as abnormal blood sodium levels or diagnostic evaluation
• Details of the specific source (body fluid or stool specimen) from which sodium is being measured
• Date and time of the test
• Method used for measuring sodium concentration
• Results of the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 84302, ensure that the test is performed to measure the concentration of sodium in sources other than blood, plasma, serum, or urine. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting this code with other codes. However, it is important to follow any applicable payer-specific guidelines and modifiers if required.

8. Historical information

CPT 84302 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2003. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst measures the concentration of sodium in a body fluid sample to evaluate a patient with abnormal blood sodium levels.
2. A stool specimen is tested for sodium concentration to diagnose the cause of chronic diarrhea in a patient.
3. Sodium levels in a body fluid sample are monitored to assess the effectiveness of therapy for a patient with hyponatremia.
4. A lab analyst measures the concentration of sodium in a body fluid sample to evaluate a patient with suspected gastrointestinal absorption problems.
5. A sodium test is performed on a body fluid sample to monitor the response to treatment for a patient with hypernatremia.