How To Use CPT Code 85362

CPT 85362 describes the evaluation of fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) or fibrinogen split products (FSP) using a slide agglutination test. 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 85362?

CPT 85362 can be used to evaluate the breakdown products of fibrinogen, known as fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) or fibrinogen split products (FSP). This code specifically refers to the use of a slide agglutination test to assess the relative level of these products in a patient’s plasma.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 85362 is: ‘Fibrin(ogen) degradation (split) products (FDP) (FSP); agglutination slide, semiquantitative.’ This code is used when performing a slide agglutination test to evaluate the level of FDP or FSP in a patient’s plasma.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a patient’s plasma sample for testing.
2. The lab analyst performs a slide agglutination test using the patient’s plasma and a latex suspension reagent.
3. The slide develops a specific agglutination pattern at a certain threshold of FDP, providing a semi-quantitative evaluation of major fibrinogen breakdown products.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 85362 is used when evaluating the breakdown products of fibrinogen in patients. This test may be ordered to aid in the diagnosis of conditions such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or congenital afibrinogenemia. It is important to note that this code specifically refers to the use of a slide agglutination test for evaluation.

5. When to use CPT code 85362

CPT code 85362 should be used when performing a slide agglutination test to evaluate the level of fibrinogen degradation products or fibrinogen split products in a patient’s plasma. If the evaluation is done using immunoelectrophoresis instead of slide agglutination, CPT code 86320 should be reported instead of 85362.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 85362, the following documentation should be included:

• Patient’s plasma sample collected for testing
• Description of the slide agglutination test performed
• Results of the test, including the specific agglutination pattern observed

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 85362, ensure that the slide agglutination test was performed to evaluate fibrinogen degradation products or fibrinogen split products. It is important to note that some payers may separately reimburse for specimen collection using a code such as 36415 for venipuncture. If the evaluation is done using immunoelectrophoresis, CPT code 86320 should be reported instead of 85362.

8. Historical information

CPT 85362 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 a slide agglutination test using a patient’s plasma to evaluate fibrinogen degradation products.
2. A physician orders a slide agglutination test to assess fibrinogen split products in a patient with suspected disseminated intravascular coagulation.
3. A lab technician collects a plasma sample and performs a slide agglutination test to evaluate fibrinogen degradation products in a patient with congenital afibrinogenemia.
4. A hematologist interprets the results of a slide agglutination test to determine the level of fibrinogen split products in a patient’s plasma.
5. A lab analyst performs a slide agglutination test to evaluate fibrinogen degradation products in a patient undergoing anticoagulant therapy.
6. A physician orders a slide agglutination test to assess fibrinogen split products in a patient with abnormal bleeding tendencies.
7. A lab technician collects a plasma sample and performs a slide agglutination test to evaluate fibrinogen degradation products in a patient with liver disease.
8. A hematologist interprets the results of a slide agglutination test to determine the level of fibrinogen split products in a patient with a suspected clotting disorder.
9. A lab analyst performs a slide agglutination test to evaluate fibrinogen degradation products in a patient with a history of thrombosis.
10. A physician orders a slide agglutination test to assess fibrinogen split products in a patient with unexplained bruising.