How To Use CPT Code 84443

CPT 84443 describes the measurement of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the patient’s 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 84443?

CPT 84443 is used to measure the amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the patient’s blood. TSH is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland that helps regulate thyroid function. This code is used when the lab analyst performs the necessary steps to mix the patient’s blood specimen with specific substances and examine it using procedures like radioimmunoassay (RIA) or enzyme immunoassay with monoclonal antibodies to measure TSH levels.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 84443 is: ‘Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).’ There are no additional notes or modifiers specified for this code.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a blood specimen from the patient via routine vein puncture.
2. The collected blood specimen is mixed with specific substances to measure the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
3. The specimen is examined using procedures like radioimmunoassay (RIA) or enzyme immunoassay with monoclonal antibodies to determine the TSH level.
4. The lab analyst records the TSH measurement and prepares the results for further analysis and interpretation by the clinician.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 84443 is typically ordered by clinicians to evaluate patients for elevated or decreased levels of TSH. Abnormal TSH levels can indicate an imbalance in the regulation of metabolism. A high TSH value may indicate hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid, while a low TSH result may indicate hyperthyroidism or over-activity of the thyroid gland.

5. When to use CPT code 84443

CPT code 84443 should be used when a clinician orders a TSH test to evaluate a patient’s thyroid function. It is appropriate to bill this code when the lab analyst performs the necessary steps to measure the patient’s TSH level using procedures like RIA or enzyme immunoassay with monoclonal antibodies.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 84443, the following documentation is required:

• Indication for ordering the TSH test
• Specific procedures used to measure TSH (e.g., RIA, enzyme immunoassay)
• Date and time of the blood specimen collection
• TSH measurement result
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 84443, ensure that the test is performed by a qualified lab analyst and that the TSH measurement is conducted using appropriate procedures like RIA or enzyme immunoassay. It is important to note that some payers may separately reimburse for the collection of the blood specimen, which should be reported with code 36415, Collection of venous blood by venipuncture.

8. Historical information

CPT 84443 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 a TSH test to evaluate a patient with symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue and weight gain.
2. A patient with a history of hyperthyroidism undergoes a TSH test to monitor their thyroid function.
3. A clinician suspects thyroid dysfunction in a pregnant patient and orders a TSH test to assess their thyroid function.
4. A patient with a thyroid nodule undergoes a TSH test to aid in the diagnosis of thyroid cancer.
5. A clinician orders a TSH test as part of a routine check-up to assess a patient’s overall thyroid function.
6. A patient with unexplained weight loss and tremors undergoes a TSH test to evaluate their thyroid function.
7. A clinician orders a TSH test to monitor the effectiveness of thyroid hormone replacement therapy in a patient with hypothyroidism.
8. A patient with symptoms of fatigue and hair loss undergoes a TSH test to assess their thyroid function.
9. A clinician orders a TSH test to evaluate a patient with symptoms of postpartum thyroiditis.
10. A patient with a family history of thyroid disease undergoes a TSH test as a preventive measure.