How To Use CPT Code 84520

CPT 84520 describes the quantitative measurement of urea nitrogen 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 84520?

CPT 84520 can be used to measure the amount of urea nitrogen in a patient’s blood. This test is performed by a lab analyst who mixes the patient’s blood with specific substances to measure urea nitrogen levels. The test may utilize methods such as spectrophotometry, which measures the amount of light absorbed by the sample after a chemical reaction.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 84520 is: ‘Urea nitrogen; quantitative.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a blood sample from the patient.
2. The analyst performs the necessary steps to measure urea nitrogen in the blood sample, which may involve mixing the sample with specific substances and utilizing spectrophotometry.
3. The amount of urea nitrogen in the blood sample is quantitatively measured.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 84520 may be ordered by clinicians to evaluate patients for various conditions, including renal damage or failure, kidney diseases such as glomerulonephritis or pyelonephritis, diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, and dehydration. Increased urea nitrogen levels are often associated with these conditions. Additionally, decreased urea nitrogen levels may be seen in pregnancy or severe liver disease.

5. When to use CPT code 84520

CPT code 84520 should be used when a quantitative measurement of urea nitrogen in patient blood is required. It is appropriate to bill this code when the lab analyst performs the necessary steps to measure urea nitrogen levels in the blood sample.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 84520, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as evaluation for renal damage or failure, kidney diseases, diabetes, congestive heart failure, or dehydration
• Details of the lab steps performed to measure urea nitrogen
• Date of the test
• Results of the quantitative measurement

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 84520, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst and that the quantitative measurement of urea nitrogen is conducted. It is important to follow any specific guidelines provided by payers, such as reporting a separate code for specimen collection or appending modifier QW if using a CLIA-waived method.

8. Historical information

CPT 84520 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 patient undergoes a quantitative measurement of urea nitrogen in their blood to evaluate renal function.
2. A clinician orders a test to measure urea nitrogen levels in a patient’s blood to assess for kidney disease.
3. A patient with congestive heart failure undergoes a quantitative measurement of urea nitrogen to monitor their condition.
4. A pregnant patient has a blood test to measure urea nitrogen levels as part of routine prenatal care.
5. A patient with suspected liver disease undergoes a quantitative measurement of urea nitrogen to aid in diagnosis.
6. A clinician orders a test to measure urea nitrogen levels in a patient’s blood to evaluate dehydration.
7. A patient with glomerulonephritis undergoes a quantitative measurement of urea nitrogen to monitor their kidney function.
8. A clinician orders a test to measure urea nitrogen levels in a patient’s blood to assess for diabetes mellitus.
9. A patient with pyelonephritis undergoes a quantitative measurement of urea nitrogen to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.
10. A clinician orders a test to measure urea nitrogen levels in a patient’s blood to evaluate their response to treatment for kidney disease.