How To Use CPT Code 85670

CPT 85670 describes the evaluation of clot formation time in patient blood using thrombin. 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 85670?

CPT 85670 can be used to evaluate the time it takes for clot formation in patient blood using thrombin. This code is used when a lab analyst performs the necessary steps to prepare plasma from patient blood, combines the patient plasma with a bovine thrombin reagent, and measures the time it takes for clot formation using a specific method.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 85670 is: ‘Thrombin time; plasma.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst prepares plasma from patient blood.
2. The lab analyst combines the patient plasma with a bovine thrombin reagent.
3. The lab analyst measures the time it takes for clot formation using a specific method, such as optical evaluation at a specific wavelength.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 85670 is ordered by clinicians to evaluate clot formation time in patient blood. It is commonly ordered along with other coagulation tests to help diagnose the cause of prolonged coagulation responses. This test may also be used to detect the presence of anticoagulants, such as heparin, in the patient’s blood.

5. When to use CPT code 85670

CPT code 85670 should be used when evaluating clot formation time in patient blood using thrombin. It is appropriate to bill this code when the lab analyst performs the necessary steps to prepare plasma, combines it with a thrombin reagent, and measures the clot formation time using a specific method.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 85670, the following documentation is required:

• Indication for the test and the reason for ordering it
• Details of the specific method used to measure clot formation time
• 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 85670, ensure that the test is performed by a qualified lab analyst and that the necessary steps are followed to evaluate clot formation time using thrombin. It is important to distinguish CPT 85670 from other similar codes, such as CPT 85675 for thrombin time titer test. Additionally, consider reporting separate codes for specimen collection, if applicable.

8. Historical information

CPT 85670 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1994. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst evaluating clot formation time in patient blood using thrombin.
2. A clinician ordering CPT 85670 to detect the presence of anticoagulants in a patient’s blood.
3. A lab performing CPT 85670 along with other coagulation tests to diagnose the cause of prolonged coagulation responses.
4. A lab analyst measuring clot formation time in patient plasma using a specific method.
5. A clinician ordering CPT 85670 to evaluate clot formation time in a patient with a suspected coagulation disorder.
6. A lab analyst performing the necessary steps to evaluate clot formation time in patient blood using thrombin.
7. A clinician using CPT 85670 to monitor the effectiveness of anticoagulant therapy in a patient.
8. A lab performing CPT 85670 to assess the patient’s coagulation status before a surgical procedure.
9. A lab analyst measuring clot formation time in patient plasma to aid in the diagnosis of a bleeding disorder.
10. A clinician ordering CPT 85670 to evaluate the patient’s response to thrombin-based therapies.