How To Use CPT Code 84577

CPT 84577 describes the quantitative measurement of urobilinogen in patient feces or stool specimens. 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 84577?

CPT 84577 can be used to measure the amount of urobilinogen in patient feces or stool specimens. This test is performed by a lab analyst who mixes the specimens with specific substances to measure urobilinogen. The test may use methods such as colorimetry to produce a numerical result corresponding to the amount of urobilinogen present.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 84577 is: ‘Urobilinogen, feces, quantitative.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst receives the patient’s feces or stool specimen.
2. The analyst performs the technical lab steps to mix the specimen with specific substances to measure urobilinogen.
3. The test may use colorimetry or other methods to produce a numerical result.
4. The lab analyst records the result and prepares the report for further analysis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 84577 may be ordered by clinicians to evaluate patients for liver diseases, liver or bile duct obstruction, and certain types of anemias. Decreased levels of fecal urobilinogen may indicate liver diseases or obstruction, while increased levels may suggest anemias that destroy red blood cells.

5. When to use CPT code 84577

CPT code 84577 should be used when there is a need to measure the amount of urobilinogen in patient feces or stool specimens. It is appropriate for evaluating liver diseases, liver or bile duct obstruction, and certain types of anemias. However, it is not limited to testing for these specific conditions.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 84577, the documentation should include:

• Patient’s clinical indication for the test
• Specific substances used in the test
• Date and time of the test
• Numerical result of the urobilinogen measurement
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 84577, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst and that the documentation requirements are met. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 84577 with other codes. However, it is important to follow any applicable payer guidelines and modifiers if necessary.

8. Historical information

CPT 84577 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 with suspected liver disease undergoes a urobilinogen test on their feces to evaluate their liver function.
2. A clinician orders a urobilinogen test on a stool specimen to assess a patient with suspected bile duct obstruction.
3. A patient with anemia undergoes a urobilinogen test on their feces to determine the cause of their condition.
4. A clinician orders a urobilinogen test on a stool specimen to evaluate a patient with symptoms of liver dysfunction.
5. A patient with jaundice undergoes a urobilinogen test on their feces to monitor their liver function.
6. A clinician orders a urobilinogen test on a stool specimen to assess a patient with suspected hemolytic anemia.
7. A patient with a history of liver disease undergoes a urobilinogen test on their feces to monitor their condition.
8. A clinician orders a urobilinogen test on a stool specimen to evaluate a patient with unexplained anemia.
9. A patient with symptoms of liver dysfunction undergoes a urobilinogen test on their feces to assess their liver function.
10. A clinician orders a urobilinogen test on a stool specimen to evaluate a patient with suspected liver or bile duct obstruction.