How To Use CPT Code 85379

CPT 85379 describes the quantitative measurement of fibrin degradation products, specifically D-dimer, in a patient’s blood sample. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 85379?

CPT 85379 can be used to measure the level of D-dimer, a fibrin degradation product, in a patient’s blood sample. This code is specifically for the quantitative measurement of D-dimer using a lab method such as a latex immunoassay. The results are reported in units such as nanograms per milliliter.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 85379 is: ‘Fibrin degradation products, D-dimer; quantitative.’ This code is used to quantify the amount of D-dimer present in the patient’s blood using a lab method such as a latex immunoassay.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs a test using the patient’s plasma specimen to measure the level of D-dimer present.
2. A lab method, such as a latex immunoassay, is used to mix antibody-coated latex particles with the plasma specimen.
3. The analyst measures the light absorption resulting from the agglutination, or clumping, of the latex antibody with D-dimer.
4. The light absorption measurement is used to determine the level of D-dimer present in the patient’s blood.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 85379 is typically ordered by clinicians to rule out conditions such as pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, or to aid in the diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). It is not limited to testing for a specific condition.

5. When to use CPT code 85379

CPT code 85379 should be used when a quantitative measurement of D-dimer is required. It is important to distinguish between qualitative or semiquantitative D-dimer tests (reported with CPT code 85378) and quantitative D-dimer tests (reported with CPT code 85379). Ultrasensitive D-dimer tests have their own specific code (CPT code 85380).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 85379, the documentation should include:

• Patient’s plasma specimen used for the test
• The lab method used, such as a latex immunoassay
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the quantitative measurement of D-dimer

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 85379, it is important to ensure that the test is performed using a lab method such as a latex immunoassay. Additionally, payers may separately reimburse for the collection of the specimen using a code such as 36415 for venipuncture. It is crucial to distinguish between qualitative or semiquantitative D-dimer tests (CPT code 85378) and quantitative D-dimer tests (CPT code 85379). It is also important to consider reporting guidelines for ultrasensitive D-dimer tests (CPT code 85380).

8. Historical information

CPT code 85379 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A clinician orders a quantitative D-dimer test (CPT code 85379) to rule out pulmonary embolism in a patient with chest pain and shortness of breath.
2. A patient with a history of deep vein thrombosis undergoes a quantitative D-dimer test (CPT code 85379) to monitor their condition and assess the risk of recurrence.
3. A clinician suspects disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in a patient with abnormal bleeding and orders a quantitative D-dimer test (CPT code 85379) as part of the diagnostic workup.
4. A patient presents with symptoms suggestive of a blood clot and a clinician orders a quantitative D-dimer test (CPT code 85379) to aid in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis.
5. A patient with a history of pulmonary embolism undergoes regular quantitative D-dimer tests (CPT code 85379) to monitor their response to anticoagulant therapy.
6. A clinician orders a quantitative D-dimer test (CPT code 85379) to assess the risk of thrombosis in a patient with a family history of blood clotting disorders.
7. A patient with symptoms of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) undergoes a quantitative D-dimer test (CPT code 85379) to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment decisions.
8. A clinician orders a quantitative D-dimer test (CPT code 85379) to rule out deep vein thrombosis in a patient with leg swelling and pain.
9. A patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism undergoes a quantitative D-dimer test (CPT code 85379) to aid in the diagnosis and determine the need for further imaging studies.
10. A clinician orders a quantitative D-dimer test (CPT code 85379) to assess the risk of thrombosis in a patient undergoing major surgery.