How To Use CPT Code 84436

CPT 84436 describes the measurement of thyroxine, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, responsible for growth and development. 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 84436?

CPT 84436 can be used to measure the concentration of thyroxine, also known as T4, in a patient’s blood. This test is typically ordered by clinicians to evaluate patients for elevated or decreased levels of thyroxine, which can indicate an imbalance in the regulation of metabolism. The specimen required for this test is usually collected through a routine vein puncture.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 84436 is: ‘Thyroxine; total.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the necessary steps to measure the amount of thyroxine in the patient’s blood.
2. The test may use methods such as cloned enzyme donor immunoassay (CEDIA) to mix the specimen with specific substances and measure thyroxine.
3. The test determines the total concentration of thyroxine in the patient’s blood.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 84436 can be used to evaluate patients for elevated or decreased levels of thyroxine, which may indicate an imbalance in the regulation of metabolism. This test is not limited to testing for a specific condition and can be ordered by clinicians based on their assessment of the patient’s needs.

5. When to use CPT code 84436

CPT code 84436 should be used when a clinician orders a test to measure the total concentration of thyroxine in a patient’s blood. It is important to note that this code should not be used in conjunction with other codes that provide similar information, such as CPT codes 84439 or 84479.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 84436, the clinician must document the following information:

• Reason for ordering the test and the clinical indication
• Specific method used to measure thyroxine
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the test and any additional relevant information
• Signature of the clinician ordering the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 84436, ensure that the test is performed to measure the total concentration of thyroxine in the patient’s blood. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by payers and not to report this code with other codes that provide similar information. Additionally, be aware of any specific requirements or modifiers that may be necessary for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 84436 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 84436 to measure the total concentration of thyroxine in a patient’s blood to evaluate their thyroid function.
2. After treating a patient for a thyroid condition, a clinician orders CPT 84436 along with other tests to obtain more detailed information about the patient’s thyroid hormone levels.
3. A clinician orders CPT 84436 to monitor the effectiveness of a patient’s thyroid medication by measuring their thyroxine levels.
4. During a routine check-up, a clinician orders CPT 84436 to assess a patient’s thyroid function and ensure that their thyroxine levels are within the normal range.
5. Based on the symptoms presented by a patient, a clinician orders CPT 84436 to investigate the possibility of a thyroid disorder.
6. A clinician orders CPT 84436 to monitor the thyroxine levels of a pregnant patient with a history of thyroid dysfunction.
7. After adjusting a patient’s thyroid medication, a clinician orders CPT 84436 to assess the impact of the dosage change on their thyroxine levels.
8. During a follow-up appointment, a clinician orders CPT 84436 to evaluate the effectiveness of a patient’s thyroid treatment plan.
9. A clinician orders CPT 84436 to investigate the cause of unexplained weight gain in a patient.
10. Based on the results of a previous thyroid function test, a clinician orders CPT 84436 to further assess a patient’s thyroxine levels.