How To Use CPT Code 84481

CPT 84481 describes the measurement of free T3 in a 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 84481?

CPT 84481 can be used to measure the level of free T3 in a patient’s blood. Free T3 is the active form of triiodothyronine that helps control thyroid function. This code is used when a lab analyst performs the necessary steps to mix the patient’s blood with specific substances and measure the level of free T3.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 84481 is: ‘Triiodothyronine T3; free.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a blood sample from the patient.
2. The blood sample is mixed with specific substances to measure the level of free T3.
3. The level of free T3 is measured using methods such as immunoassay, where free T3 antigens react with reagent antibodies.
4. The lab analyst records the results of the free T3 measurement.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 84481 is typically ordered by clinicians to help confirm hyperthyroidism, which is characterized by elevated levels of free T3. However, this test is not limited to a specific condition and can be used to measure free T3 in various clinical scenarios.

5. When to use CPT code 84481

CPT code 84481 should be used when there is a need to measure the level of free T3 in a patient’s blood. It is important to note that this code specifically refers to the measurement of free T3 and not total T3 or reverse T3. For those measurements, different CPT codes should be used (84480 for total T3 and 84482 for reverse T3).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 84481, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as suspected hyperthyroidism or other clinical indications
• Details of the specific substances and methods used to measure free T3
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the free T3 measurement
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 84481, ensure that the test is performed by a qualified lab analyst. It is important to note that some payers may separately reimburse for the collection of the blood specimen using a different code, such as 36415 for venipuncture.

8. Historical information

CPT 84481 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst measuring the level of free T3 in a patient’s blood to confirm hyperthyroidism.
2. A clinician ordering the measurement of free T3 in a patient with symptoms of thyroid dysfunction.
3. A lab performing the test to monitor the effectiveness of thyroid medication in a patient.
4. A patient undergoing a free T3 measurement as part of a comprehensive thyroid panel.
5. A clinician using the test to evaluate thyroid function in a pregnant patient.
6. A lab analyst measuring free T3 levels in a patient with unexplained weight loss and fatigue.
7. A clinician ordering the test to assess thyroid function in a patient with a family history of thyroid disorders.
8. A lab performing the measurement of free T3 in a patient with symptoms of hypothyroidism.
9. A patient undergoing the test as part of a routine health check-up.
10. A clinician using the measurement of free T3 to guide the management of a patient with thyroid cancer.