How To Use CPT Code 84550

CPT 84550 describes the measurement of uric acid 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 84550?

CPT 84550 can be used to measure the amount of uric acid in a patient’s blood. This test is performed by a lab analyst using specific substances to mix with the patient’s blood and measure the uric acid levels. The test may utilize spectrophotometry, which measures the absorption of light at a particular wavelength after a chemical reaction.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 84550 is: ‘Uric acid; blood.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a blood sample from the patient.
2. The analyst performs the necessary steps to mix the patient’s blood with specific substances to measure the uric acid levels.
3. The test may utilize spectrophotometry to measure the absorption of light at a specific wavelength after a chemical reaction.
4. The lab analyst records the results of the uric acid measurement.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 84550 is typically ordered by clinicians to evaluate patients for conditions such as gout and kidney stones, which can occur when there is an excess of uric acid in the blood. Increased uric acid levels can also be caused by factors such as excess breakdown of cells during certain cancer treatments, decreased kidney function, or diets high in certain types of meat and fish.

5. When to use CPT code 84550

CPT code 84550 should be used when a clinician orders a blood test specifically to measure the uric acid levels in a patient. It is important to note that this code is only applicable for measuring uric acid in blood and not in other sources.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 84550, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as evaluating for gout or kidney stones
• Results of the uric acid measurement

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 84550, it is important to ensure that the test is performed on blood and not on other sources. Additionally, 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 84550 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 clinician orders a blood test to measure the uric acid levels in a patient suspected of having gout.
2. A patient undergoing cancer treatment has their blood tested to monitor the uric acid levels resulting from cell breakdown.
3. A clinician orders a blood test to evaluate a patient with suspected kidney stones and measures the uric acid levels.
4. A patient with decreased kidney function undergoes a blood test to assess their uric acid levels.
5. A clinician orders a blood test to evaluate a patient with a diet high in purine-rich foods and measures the uric acid levels.
6. A patient with symptoms of gout has their blood tested to confirm the diagnosis and measure the uric acid levels.
7. A clinician orders a blood test to monitor the uric acid levels in a patient undergoing treatment for kidney stones.
8. A patient with a history of gout has their blood tested to assess their uric acid levels and monitor their condition.
9. A clinician orders a blood test to evaluate a patient with suspected uric acid-related joint pain and measures the uric acid levels.
10. A patient with a family history of gout undergoes a blood test to assess their uric acid levels as a preventive measure.