How To Use CPT Code 84485

CPT 84485 describes the measurement of trypsin in duodenal fluid from the small intestine. 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 84485?

CPT 84485 can be used to measure the amount of trypsin in duodenal fluid from the small intestine. This test is performed by a lab analyst who mixes the duodenal fluid with specific substances to measure the trypsin levels. The test may use methods such as radioimmunoassay to detect antigens that have been tagged with a radioactive substance.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 84485 is: ‘Trypsin; duodenal fluid.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects duodenal fluid from the small intestine.
2. The analyst performs the necessary steps to mix the duodenal fluid with specific substances to measure the amount of trypsin.
3. The test may use methods such as radioimmunoassay to detect antigens that have been tagged with a radioactive substance.
4. The amount of trypsin in the duodenal fluid is measured and recorded.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 84485 is used to help diagnose cystic fibrosis in infants and evaluate pancreatic function in children and adults. It is not limited to testing for a specific condition, but it is commonly ordered by clinicians for these purposes. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder characterized by the production of thick, sticky mucus that blocks pancreatic ducts and clogs the lungs.

5. When to use CPT code 84485

CPT code 84485 should be used when there is a need to measure the amount of trypsin in duodenal fluid from the small intestine. It is commonly ordered to help diagnose cystic fibrosis in infants and evaluate pancreatic function in children and adults. This code should not be used for testing trypsin in feces, as there are separate codes for that purpose.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 84485, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as suspected cystic fibrosis or evaluation of pancreatic function
• Details of the test performed, including the method used (e.g., radioimmunoassay)
• Results of the test, indicating the amount of trypsin measured
• Signature of the lab analyst who performed the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 84485, ensure that the test is performed to measure trypsin in duodenal fluid from the small intestine. It should not be reported with other codes for testing trypsin in feces. It is important to use the appropriate code based on the specific testing requirements. For example, use CPT code 84488 for qualitative testing of trypsin in feces and CPT code 84490 for quantitative testing of trypsin in feces from a 24-hour collection.

8. Historical information

CPT 84485 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 measures the amount of trypsin in duodenal fluid from a patient suspected of having cystic fibrosis.
2. A clinician orders a test to evaluate pancreatic function in a child, and the lab analyst measures the trypsin levels in duodenal fluid.
3. A patient undergoes a test to assess their pancreatic function, and the lab analyst performs the necessary steps to measure the trypsin in duodenal fluid.
4. A lab analyst uses radioimmunoassay to detect antigens tagged with a radioactive substance in order to measure trypsin levels in duodenal fluid.
5. A clinician orders a test to help diagnose cystic fibrosis in an infant, and the lab analyst measures the trypsin levels in duodenal fluid.
6. A lab analyst performs a test to measure the amount of trypsin in duodenal fluid from a patient with suspected pancreatic dysfunction.
7. A patient undergoes a test to evaluate their pancreatic function, and the lab analyst measures the trypsin levels in duodenal fluid.
8. A lab analyst collects duodenal fluid from a patient and performs the necessary steps to measure the amount of trypsin present.
9. A clinician orders a test to assess pancreatic function in an adult, and the lab analyst measures the trypsin levels in duodenal fluid.
10. A lab analyst uses specific substances to mix with duodenal fluid and measures the amount of trypsin present in the sample.