How To Use CPT Code 84704

CPT 84704 describes the quantitation of free beta chain human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in serum or whole 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 84704?

CPT 84704 can be used to quantitate the levels of free beta chain hCG in serum or whole blood. This test is typically ordered as part of prenatal testing for high-risk patients. Free beta hCG can indicate fetal genetic abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, primarily during the first trimester.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 84704 is: ‘Gonadotropin, chorionic (hCG); free beta chain.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical lab test to quantitate free beta chain hCG in serum or whole blood.
2. The analyst pipettes serum samples into reaction wells on a testing platform and incubates them.
3. After incubation, the analyst washes the samples and reads the reaction with a spectrophotometer.
4. The test utilizes enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), an antibody-antigen reaction combined with a dye that produces a color change in the presence of free beta hCG.
5. Alternatively, whole blood samples collected from a finger puncture can be analyzed using ELISA methodology.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 84704 is typically ordered by clinicians as part of prenatal testing for high-risk patients. It is used to assess the levels of free beta chain hCG, which can indicate fetal genetic abnormalities, such as Down syndrome or trisomy 18. The test is performed on serum or whole blood samples by a lab analyst using ELISA methodology.

5. When to use CPT code 84704

CPT code 84704 should be used when quantitating the levels of free beta chain hCG in serum or whole blood. It is typically ordered as part of prenatal testing for high-risk patients to assess the risk of fetal genetic abnormalities, such as Down syndrome. This code should not be used for other purposes or in different contexts.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 84704, the documentation should include:

• Indication for the test, such as prenatal testing for high-risk patients
• Type of specimen used (serum or whole blood)
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the test, including the quantitation of free beta chain hCG
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 84704, ensure that the test is performed on serum or whole blood samples to quantitate free beta chain hCG. Follow the appropriate coding guidelines and documentation requirements. CPT code 84704 should not be reported with other codes unless medically necessary and supported by documentation.

8. Historical information

CPT 84704 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2008. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performing the quantitation of free beta chain hCG in serum samples for a high-risk pregnant patient.
2. An obstetrician ordering the test to assess the risk of fetal genetic abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, in a pregnant patient.
3. A lab technician analyzing whole blood samples collected from a finger puncture to quantitate free beta chain hCG.
4. A genetic counselor interpreting the results of the test to provide counseling and guidance to a pregnant patient.
5. A lab director overseeing the quality control measures for the free beta chain hCG test in a clinical laboratory.
6. A nurse explaining the purpose and procedure of the free beta chain hCG test to a pregnant patient.
7. A lab analyst troubleshooting any technical issues that may arise during the quantitation of free beta chain hCG.
8. A physician reviewing the results of the test to make informed decisions regarding the patient’s prenatal care.
9. A lab manager ensuring that the lab is compliant with all regulatory requirements for performing the free beta chain hCG test.
10. A pregnant patient providing a blood sample for the quantitation of free beta chain hCG as part of her prenatal testing.