How To Use CPT Code 86141

CPT 86141 describes the analysis of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in a patient’s serum sample. 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 86141?

CPT 86141 can be used to analyze the level of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in a patient’s serum sample. This code is used when a lab analyst performs the technical steps to measure the quantity of hsCRP, which is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation, infection, or swelling.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 86141 is: ‘C-reactive protein; high sensitivity (hsCRP).’ This code is used to report the analysis of hsCRP in a patient’s serum sample.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst receives the patient’s serum sample for analysis.
2. The analyst performs the necessary technical steps to measure the level of hsCRP in the serum sample.
3. The assay uses monoclonal antibodies to detect and measure the hsCRP present in the sample.
4. A turbidity measure is used to quantify the level of hsCRP in the serum sample.
5. The results of the analysis are recorded and reported to the healthcare provider.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 86141 is used when a healthcare provider orders the analysis of hsCRP in a patient’s serum sample. This test is particularly useful in evaluating the risk of cardiovascular disease, as hsCRP levels can indicate the presence of inflammation in the body. It may also be ordered if there is suspicion of an inflammatory condition.

5. When to use CPT code 86141

CPT code 86141 should be used when a healthcare provider orders the analysis of hsCRP in a patient’s serum sample. It is important to note that this code is specifically for the high sensitivity assay, which can detect lower levels of hsCRP compared to conventional CRP assays.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 86141, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for ordering the hsCRP analysis
• Date of the serum sample collection
• Results of the hsCRP analysis
• Signature of the healthcare provider ordering the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 86141, ensure that the analysis of hsCRP is performed by a lab analyst. It is important to note that some payers may separately reimburse for the collection of the serum sample using a different code, such as 36415 for venipuncture.

8. Historical information

CPT 86141 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2002. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider orders the analysis of hsCRP in a patient’s serum sample to assess their risk of cardiovascular disease.
2. A patient with symptoms of inflammation undergoes the analysis of hsCRP to aid in the diagnosis of an inflammatory condition.
3. A healthcare provider monitors the hsCRP levels in a patient with a history of cardiovascular disease to assess their response to treatment.
4. A patient with suspected rheumatic fever undergoes the analysis of hsCRP to aid in the diagnosis of the condition.
5. A healthcare provider orders the analysis of hsCRP in a patient’s serum sample as part of a comprehensive assessment of their overall health.
6. A patient with symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease undergoes the analysis of hsCRP to aid in the diagnosis of the condition.
7. A healthcare provider orders the analysis of hsCRP in a patient’s serum sample to evaluate their response to anti-inflammatory medication.
8. A patient with a family history of cardiovascular disease undergoes the analysis of hsCRP as a preventive measure.
9. A healthcare provider orders the analysis of hsCRP in a patient’s serum sample to monitor their inflammatory response to a specific treatment.
10. A patient with symptoms of an acute inflammatory disease undergoes the analysis of hsCRP to aid in the diagnosis and management of the condition.