How To Use CPT Code 84460

CPT 84460 describes the laboratory test used to measure the enzyme alanine amino transferase (ALT), also known as SGPT. 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 84460?

CPT 84460 is a laboratory test that quantitates the enzyme alanine amino transferase (ALT), also called SGPT. This test is typically performed using serum or plasma samples and is used to evaluate liver function in patients. ALT levels increase primarily in disorders affecting the liver.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 84460 is: ‘Transferase; alanine amino (ALT) (SGPT).’ There are no additional notes or modifiers associated with this code.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical lab test using serum or plasma samples.
2. The analyst uses laboratory chemistry analyzers to measure the levels of ALT in the samples.
3. The ALT testing typically utilizes a kinetic or enzymatic rate method that measures the color change caused by ALT enzymatically degrading a substance.
4. The degree of color change indicates the amount of ALT present in the sample.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 84460 is used to evaluate liver function in patients. It is commonly ordered by clinicians to check for hepatitis, liver damage, inflammation, infectious mononucleosis, and cirrhosis. ALT is an enzyme found predominantly in the liver and is also present in smaller amounts in the heart.

5. When to use CPT code 84460

CPT code 84460 should be used when a clinician orders the ALT test to evaluate liver function in a patient. It is appropriate to bill this code when performing the laboratory test to measure ALT levels in serum or plasma samples.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 84460, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the ALT test
• Type of sample used (serum or plasma)
• Date and time of the test
• Test results indicating the levels of ALT
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 84460, ensure that the test is performed by a qualified lab analyst using serum or plasma samples. 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 84460 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 the ALT test to evaluate liver function in a patient with suspected hepatitis.
2. The lab analyst performs the ALT test using plasma samples to assess liver damage in a patient taking cholesterol-lowering medication.
3. A clinician orders the ALT test to monitor liver inflammation in a patient with infectious mononucleosis.
4. The lab analyst measures ALT levels in serum samples to evaluate liver function in a patient with suspected cirrhosis.
5. A clinician orders the ALT test to assess liver health in a patient with a history of alcohol abuse.
6. The lab analyst performs the ALT test using plasma samples to monitor liver function in a patient undergoing treatment for liver disease.
7. A clinician orders the ALT test to evaluate liver damage in a patient with suspected drug-induced hepatotoxicity.
8. The lab analyst measures ALT levels in serum samples to assess liver function in a patient with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
9. A clinician orders the ALT test to monitor liver inflammation in a patient with autoimmune hepatitis.
10. The lab analyst performs the ALT test using plasma samples to assess liver function in a patient with suspected liver metastasis.