How To Use CPT Code 84525

CPT 84525 describes the semiquantitative measurement of urea nitrogen in patient blood using a reagent strip test. 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 84525?

CPT 84525 can be used to measure the semiquantitative levels of urea nitrogen in a patient’s blood. This test is performed using a reagent strip test, which involves mixing the patient’s blood with specific substances to estimate the amount of urea nitrogen present. The result obtained from this test provides an estimation of the urea nitrogen levels in the blood, although it is less precise than a quantitative test.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 84525 is: ‘Urea nitrogen; semiquantitative (eg, reagent strip test).’ This code is used to report the laboratory analysis of urea nitrogen levels in patient blood using a semiquantitative method, such as a reagent strip test.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a blood sample from the patient.
2. The lab analyst performs the necessary steps to mix the patient’s blood with specific substances for the semiquantitative measurement of urea nitrogen.
3. The test may involve using a reagent strip embedded with pads of dried chemicals.
4. The reaction between the patient’s blood and the chemicals on the reagent strip produces a color change.
5. The lab analyst measures the intensity of the color change, which correlates with the amount of urea nitrogen present in the blood.
6. The result obtained from the test is reported as a semiquantitative estimation of the urea nitrogen levels in the patient’s blood.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 84525 is typically ordered by clinicians to evaluate patients for 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. On the other hand, decreased urea nitrogen levels may be seen in pregnancy or severe liver disease.

5. When to use CPT code 84525

CPT code 84525 should be used when a semiquantitative measurement of urea nitrogen is required using a reagent strip test. This code is appropriate for reporting the laboratory analysis of urea nitrogen levels in patient blood. It is important to note that this code represents a semiquantitative estimation and not a precise quantitative measurement.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 84525, the documentation should include:

• Indication for the test, such as the suspected condition or reason for ordering the test
• Details of the specific reagent strip test used
• Date of the test
• Results of the semiquantitative measurement of urea nitrogen
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 84525, it is important to ensure that the test is performed using a reagent strip method for semiquantitative measurement of urea nitrogen. If the lab has a CLIA-waived license and uses a CLIA-waived method, modifier QW should be appended to the test code. Additionally, if specimen collection is separately performed, a code such as 36415 for venipuncture may be reported separately.

8. Historical information

CPT code 84525 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a semiquantitative measurement of urea nitrogen using a reagent strip test to evaluate their renal function.
2. A clinician orders a urea nitrogen test using a reagent strip method to assess a patient with suspected kidney disease.
3. A lab analyst performs a semiquantitative measurement of urea nitrogen in a patient’s blood using a reagent strip test to monitor their diabetes management.
4. A patient’s urea nitrogen levels are tested using a reagent strip method to evaluate their hydration status.
5. A clinician orders a urea nitrogen test using a reagent strip method to assess a patient with congestive heart failure.
6. A lab analyst performs a semiquantitative measurement of urea nitrogen in a patient’s blood using a reagent strip test to evaluate their liver function.
7. A patient undergoes a urea nitrogen test using a reagent strip method to monitor their response to treatment for glomerulonephritis.
8. A clinician orders a semiquantitative measurement of urea nitrogen in a patient’s blood using a reagent strip test to evaluate their renal function after a kidney transplant.
9. A lab analyst performs a urea nitrogen test using a reagent strip method to assess a patient with suspected pyelonephritis.
10. A patient’s urea nitrogen levels are tested using a reagent strip method to monitor their response to treatment for dehydration.