How To Use CPT Code 84446

CPT 84446 describes the measurement of alpha tocopherol, also known as Vitamin E, in patient serum or plasma. 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 84446?

CPT 84446 can be used to measure the levels of alpha tocopherol, or Vitamin E, in patient serum or plasma. This test is typically ordered by clinicians to evaluate patients for alpha tocopherol deficiency, which may occur due to nutritional or intestinal absorption problems. Alpha tocopherol deficiency can cause reversible neuropathy in children and possibly adults. The test may also be used to monitor Vitamin E therapy in premature infants who require oxygen.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 84446 is: ‘Measurement of alpha tocopherol (Vitamin E).’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the necessary steps to measure alpha tocopherol in patient serum or plasma.
2. The specimen, typically patient serum or plasma, is mixed with specific substances to measure the levels of alpha tocopherol.
3. The test may use methods such as chromatography to separate and analyze the amount or presence of alpha tocopherol in the specimen.
4. The lab analyst records the results of the measurement.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 84446 is typically ordered by clinicians to evaluate patients for alpha tocopherol deficiency or to monitor Vitamin E therapy in premature infants. The test is performed on patient serum or plasma, and there are no specific qualifying circumstances beyond the clinical need for the measurement of alpha tocopherol levels.

5. When to use CPT code 84446

CPT code 84446 should be used when there is a clinical need to measure the levels of alpha tocopherol, or Vitamin E, in patient serum or plasma. It is important to ensure that the test is medically necessary and ordered by a qualified healthcare professional.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 84446, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Clinical indication for ordering the test
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the measurement
• Signature of the healthcare professional ordering the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 84446, ensure that the test is medically necessary and ordered by a qualified healthcare professional. It is important to follow the specific guidelines and requirements of the payer. Some payers may also separately reimburse for the collection of the specimen using a code such as 36415, which represents the collection of venous blood by venipuncture.

8. Historical information

CPT code 84446 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 code 84446 to measure the levels of alpha tocopherol in a patient with suspected Vitamin E deficiency.
2. A premature infant receiving oxygen therapy is regularly monitored with CPT code 84446 to ensure appropriate Vitamin E levels.
3. A patient with gastrointestinal issues undergoes CPT code 84446 to evaluate their alpha tocopherol levels.
4. A clinician orders CPT code 84446 to monitor the effectiveness of Vitamin E supplementation in a patient with neuropathy.
5. A patient with a history of malabsorption undergoes CPT code 84446 to assess their alpha tocopherol levels.