How To Use CPT Code 84482

CPT 84482 describes the measurement of reverse T3 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 84482?

CPT 84482 can be used to measure the levels of reverse T3 in patient blood. Reverse T3 is an inactive form of T3 that is not involved in the control of thyroid function. This test is performed by a lab analyst who mixes patient blood with specific substances to measure reverse T3. The test may use methods such as mass spectrometry to identify the resulting elements by their masses or fragmentation pattern.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 84482 is: ‘Triiodothyronine T3; reverse.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical lab steps to mix patient blood with specific substances to measure reverse T3.
2. The test may use methods such as mass spectrometry to identify the resulting elements by their masses or fragmentation pattern.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Clinicians may order this test to measure reverse T3 levels in patients who may have abnormal variations due to conditions such as acute or chronic illness, stress, and old age. Providers do not order this test often.

5. When to use CPT code 84482

CPT code 84482 should be used when there is a need to measure reverse T3 levels in patient blood. It is important to note that this code is specifically for reverse T3 and not for total T3 or free T3 measurements.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 84482, the documentation should include the reason for ordering the test and any relevant clinical information. It is also important to document the date and time of the test, as well as the results obtained.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 84482, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst and that the appropriate documentation is provided. It is important to note that some payers may pay separately for collecting the specimen using a code such as 36415 for venipuncture.

8. Historical information

CPT 84482 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 lab analyst performing a test to measure reverse T3 levels in patient blood.
2. A clinician ordering the measurement of reverse T3 levels in a patient with a history of chronic illness.
3. A patient undergoing the reverse T3 test to assess thyroid function due to old age.
4. A lab technician using mass spectrometry to identify the elements in a patient’s blood sample for reverse T3 measurement.
5. A provider ordering the reverse T3 test to evaluate the impact of stress on thyroid function.
6. A patient with abnormal variations in reverse T3 levels due to acute illness undergoing the test for further evaluation.
7. A lab analyst performing the technical steps to measure reverse T3 levels in a patient’s blood sample using specific substances.
8. A clinician ordering the reverse T3 test to assess thyroid function in a patient with symptoms of thyroid dysfunction.
9. A patient undergoing the reverse T3 test as part of a comprehensive thyroid panel.
10. A lab technician analyzing the reverse T3 levels in a patient’s blood sample to provide diagnostic information.