How To Use CPT Code 85360

CPT 85360 describes the euglobulin lysis test, a laboratory procedure used to determine the time it takes for a euglobulin clot formed from a patient’s plasma sample to break down. 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 85360?

CPT 85360 is a code used to describe the euglobulin lysis test, a laboratory procedure that measures the time it takes for a euglobulin clot formed from a patient’s plasma sample to break down. This test is performed by a lab analyst using patient plasma to assess the time to clot lysis. The method involves acidifying the plasma specimen to form a euglobulin clot and measuring the time required for lysis to occur. The euglobulin lysis test is an older, less commonly used lab method.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 85360 is: ‘Euglobulin lysis.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the euglobulin lysis test using patient plasma.
2. The plasma specimen is acidified to form a euglobulin clot.
3. The lab analyst measures the time required for the euglobulin clot to break down, indicating clot lysis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

The euglobulin lysis test is not limited to testing for a specific condition. Clinicians may order this test to evaluate fibrinolytic activity, which is part of the coagulation process that regulates clot formation. A shortened euglobulin lysis time may indicate decreased fibrinogen levels, while a lengthened euglobulin lysis time may indicate increased fibrinogen levels. The test is performed by a lab analyst using patient plasma.

5. When to use CPT code 85360

CPT code 85360 should be used when a healthcare provider orders the euglobulin lysis test to evaluate fibrinolytic activity in a patient. It is important to note that this test is not commonly used and may not be necessary for every patient. The decision to use CPT code 85360 should be based on the clinical judgment of the healthcare provider.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 85360, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for ordering the euglobulin lysis test
• Results of the test, including the time required for clot lysis
• Any additional relevant information or observations

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 85360, it is important to ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst using patient plasma. The euglobulin lysis test should be reported separately and may not be bundled with other laboratory tests. Some payers may also reimburse for the collection of the plasma specimen using a separate code, such as 36415 for venipuncture.

8. Historical information

CPT code 85360 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs the euglobulin lysis test on a patient’s plasma sample to evaluate fibrinolytic activity.
2. A healthcare provider orders the euglobulin lysis test to assess clot lysis time in a patient with suspected coagulation abnormalities.
3. A lab analyst measures the time required for a euglobulin clot to break down in a patient’s plasma sample to determine fibrinolytic activity.
4. The euglobulin lysis test is performed on a patient’s plasma sample to evaluate the effectiveness of fibrinolysis in regulating clot formation.
5. A healthcare provider orders the euglobulin lysis test to monitor fibrinolytic activity in a patient receiving anticoagulant therapy.
6. A lab analyst assesses the time to clot lysis in a patient’s plasma sample using the euglobulin lysis test to evaluate fibrinolytic activity.
7. The euglobulin lysis test is performed to measure the time required for a euglobulin clot to break down, indicating fibrinolysis.
8. A healthcare provider orders the euglobulin lysis test to assess the fibrinolytic activity in a patient with a history of clotting disorders.
9. A lab analyst performs the euglobulin lysis test on a patient’s plasma sample to evaluate the patient’s fibrinolytic capacity.
10. The euglobulin lysis test is used to measure the time it takes for a euglobulin clot to break down in a patient’s plasma sample, providing information on fibrinolysis.