How To Use CPT Code 84466

CPT 84466 describes the measurement of transferrin in patient 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 84466?

CPT 84466 can be used to measure the amount of transferrin in patient blood. This code is used when a lab analyst performs the necessary steps to mix patient blood with specific substances and measure the levels of transferrin antigens in the blood. The amount of transferrin in the blood is then determined by measuring the antigen-antibody combination.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 84466 is: ‘Transferrin (Iron binding capacity, use 83550)’. This code is used to measure the amount of transferrin in patient blood. Please note that if iron binding capacity needs to be measured, CPT code 83550 should be used instead.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the necessary steps to mix patient blood with specific substances to measure transferrin.
2. The test may use methods such as immunoassay, where levels of transferrin antigens in the blood react with reagent antibodies.
3. The lab analyst measures the amount of the antigen-antibody combination to determine the amount of transferrin in the blood.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 84466 can be ordered by clinicians to measure the body’s ability to transport iron, check nutritional status, or evaluate liver function. It is not limited to testing for a specific condition. Transferrin levels increase in iron deficiency diseases and decrease in iron overload disorders such as hemochromatosis.

5. When to use CPT code 84466

CPT code 84466 should be used when there is a need to measure the amount of transferrin in patient blood. It is appropriate for evaluating iron transport, nutritional status, and liver function. However, it should not be reported if CPT code 83550, which measures iron binding capacity, has already been performed.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 84466, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test
• Specific substances used in the test
• Date of the test
• Results of the test
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 84466, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst. It is important to note that some payers may pay separately for collecting the specimen using a code such as 36415 for venipuncture. Additionally, because transferrin and iron binding capacity offer similar information, payers may not cover both tests at the same time.

8. Historical information

CPT 84466 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A clinician orders CPT 84466 to measure transferrin levels in a patient with suspected iron deficiency.
2. A lab analyst performs CPT 84466 to evaluate the nutritional status of a patient with malabsorption issues.
3. CPT 84466 is used to assess liver function in a patient with suspected liver disease.
4. A clinician orders CPT 84466 to monitor transferrin levels in a patient undergoing iron supplementation therapy.
5. A lab analyst performs CPT 84466 to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment in a patient with hemochromatosis.
6. CPT 84466 is used to measure transferrin levels in a patient with chronic kidney disease.
7. A clinician orders CPT 84466 to assess iron transport in a patient with suspected gastrointestinal bleeding.
8. A lab analyst performs CPT 84466 to evaluate the nutritional status of a patient with an eating disorder.
9. CPT 84466 is used to monitor transferrin levels in a patient with chronic inflammatory conditions.
10. A clinician orders CPT 84466 to assess liver function in a patient with alcohol-related liver disease.