How To Use CPT Code 85345

CPT 85345 describes the coagulation time test using the Lee and White method. 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 85345?

CPT 85345 is used to determine the time it takes for a clot to form in a patient’s blood sample using the Lee and White method. This test is performed by a lab analyst who subjects the patient’s freshly drawn blood to the clotting stimulus of tilting the collection tube at specified intervals. The time to clot formation is then determined through visual inspection.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 85345 is: ‘Coagulation time; Lee and White.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the coagulation time test using the Lee and White method.
2. The test involves subjecting the patient’s freshly drawn blood to the clotting stimulus by tilting the collection tube at specified intervals.
3. The lab analyst visually inspects the blood sample to determine the time it takes for a clot to form.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 85345 may be ordered by clinicians to monitor the effect of anticoagulant therapy with heparin. It is not limited to testing for a specific condition.

5. When to use CPT code 85345

CPT code 85345 should be used when performing the coagulation time test using the Lee and White method. It is important to note that this method is not commonly used in labs anymore.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 85345, the documentation should include:

• Indication of the need for the coagulation time test
• Details of the Lee and White method used
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the test
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 85345, it is important to ensure that the test is performed using the Lee and White method. Some payers may also separately reimburse for the collection of the blood specimen using a code such as 36415 for venipuncture.

8. Historical information

CPT 85345 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 coagulation time test using the Lee and White method to determine the clotting time for a patient on anticoagulant therapy.
2. Using the Lee and White method, the lab analyst measures the coagulation time for a patient with a suspected bleeding disorder.
3. As part of a routine check, the lab analyst performs the coagulation time test using the Lee and White method for a patient on long-term anticoagulant therapy.
4. During a preoperative evaluation, the lab analyst conducts the coagulation time test using the Lee and White method to assess the patient’s clotting ability.
5. A patient with a history of clotting disorders undergoes the coagulation time test using the Lee and White method to monitor their condition.
6. As part of a research study, the lab analyst performs the coagulation time test using the Lee and White method to gather data on clotting times in a specific population.
7. A patient with a family history of clotting disorders undergoes the coagulation time test using the Lee and White method to assess their risk.
8. During a routine check-up, the lab analyst performs the coagulation time test using the Lee and White method to ensure the patient’s clotting ability is within the normal range.
9. A patient on anticoagulant therapy undergoes the coagulation time test using the Lee and White method to monitor the effectiveness of their treatment.
10. As part of a diagnostic workup, the lab analyst performs the coagulation time test using the Lee and White method to investigate the cause of abnormal bleeding in a patient.