How To Use CPT Code 85002

CPT 85002 describes the procedure for measuring bleeding time in a patient under controlled conditions. 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 85002?

CPT 85002 can be used to measure the time it takes for a patient to stop bleeding following a prescribed incision under controlled conditions. This test is performed by a lab analyst using specific instruments and techniques to determine the bleeding time of the patient.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 85002 is: ‘Bleeding time; Ivy or Duke method.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst creates an incision at a specific site on the patient’s body using a specific instrument.
2. The lab analyst measures the time it takes for the patient to stop bleeding, either using the Ivy method or the Duke method.
3. In the Ivy method, a blood pressure cuff is placed on the upper arm, and an incision is made on the underside of the forearm. The analyst wipes off blood every 30 seconds and measures the time until bleeding stops.
4. In the Duke method, a puncture is made with a special needle on the earlobe or fingertip. The analyst wipes off the blood every 30 seconds and measures the time until bleeding stops.
5. The lab analyst records the bleeding time and any relevant observations or notes.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 85002 may be ordered by clinicians to assess platelet and capillary dysfunction, which can be associated with various vascular disorders. It is not limited to testing for a specific condition but can provide valuable information about bleeding tendencies. Medications such as aspirin and warfarin may also impact bleeding time. The test is performed by a lab analyst under controlled conditions.

5. When to use CPT code 85002

CPT code 85002 should be used when a clinician orders a bleeding time test to assess platelet and capillary dysfunction or to evaluate bleeding tendencies. It is important to ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst using the Ivy or Duke method under controlled conditions.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 85002, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Specific method used (Ivy or Duke)
• Site of the incision
• Start and end time of the bleeding
• Any relevant observations or notes

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 85002, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst using the Ivy or Duke method. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 85002 with other codes. However, it is important to follow any applicable payer guidelines and provide accurate documentation to support the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 85002 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 lab analyst performs the Ivy method to measure bleeding time in a patient suspected of having von Willebrand disease.
2. A clinician orders a bleeding time test using the Duke method to assess platelet and capillary dysfunction in a patient with thrombocytopenia.
3. A patient on aspirin medication undergoes a bleeding time test to evaluate the impact of the medication on their bleeding tendencies.
4. A lab analyst performs the Ivy method to measure bleeding time in a patient with suspected Bernard-Soulier disease.
5. A clinician orders a bleeding time test using the Duke method to assess platelet and capillary dysfunction in a patient with vascular disorders.
6. A patient with a history of prolonged bleeding undergoes a bleeding time test to evaluate their bleeding tendencies.
7. A lab analyst performs the Ivy method to measure bleeding time in a patient with suspected platelet dysfunction.
8. A clinician orders a bleeding time test using the Duke method to assess bleeding tendencies in a patient before a surgical procedure.
9. A patient with a family history of bleeding disorders undergoes a bleeding time test to assess their own bleeding tendencies.
10. A lab analyst performs the Ivy method to measure bleeding time in a patient with unexplained bleeding episodes.