How To Use CPT Code 86927

CPT 86927 describes the procedure of thawing fresh frozen plasma by a lab analyst. 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 86927?

CPT 86927 involves the process of thawing fresh frozen plasma by a lab analyst. This code is used when a unit of frozen plasma, stored at -18 degrees Celsius or lower, is thawed in a 37 degrees Celsius water bath while agitating the bag. Once thawed, the plasma must be stored refrigerated and transfused within 24 hours.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 86927 is: ‘Fresh frozen plasma, thawing, each unit.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst inspects the plastic bag containing the frozen plasma.
2. The lab analyst places the frozen plasma in a 37 degrees Celsius water bath while agitating the bag to thaw it.
3. Once thawed, the lab analyst stores the plasma refrigerated and ensures it is transfused within 24 hours.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 86927 is performed when fresh frozen plasma needs to be thawed for transfusion. It is commonly ordered when a patient requires fresh frozen plasma to treat conditions such as coagulation factor deficiency. Fresh frozen plasma contains important components such as proteins, electrolytes, hormones, and coagulation factors.

5. When to use CPT code 86927

CPT code 86927 should be used when a lab analyst thaws a unit of fresh frozen plasma for transfusion purposes. It is important to ensure that the plasma unit is properly thawed and stored refrigerated before transfusion.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 86927, the documentation should include:

• Identification of the patient and the need for fresh frozen plasma
• Date and time of the thawing procedure
• Details of the thawing process, including the use of a 37 degrees Celsius water bath and agitation of the bag
• Confirmation of proper storage of the thawed plasma
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 86927, ensure that the procedure is performed by a lab analyst. It is important to report one unit of 86927 for each plasma unit thawed. Consider any additional guidelines provided by the payer regarding the reporting of this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 86927 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 lab analyst thaws a unit of fresh frozen plasma for a patient with coagulation factor deficiency.
2. A lab analyst performs the thawing procedure for fresh frozen plasma needed for a patient undergoing surgery.
3. A unit of fresh frozen plasma is thawed by a lab analyst to treat a patient with a bleeding disorder.
4. A lab analyst prepares fresh frozen plasma for transfusion to a patient with liver disease.
5. A patient with a coagulation disorder receives fresh frozen plasma that has been thawed by a lab analyst.
6. A lab analyst thaws fresh frozen plasma for a patient with a severe clotting factor deficiency.
7. Thawing fresh frozen plasma is performed by a lab analyst to provide clotting factors for a patient with a bleeding disorder.
8. A lab analyst prepares fresh frozen plasma for transfusion to a patient undergoing a complex surgical procedure.
9. Thawing fresh frozen plasma is performed by a lab analyst to provide clotting factors for a patient with a liver disease.
10. A unit of fresh frozen plasma is thawed by a lab analyst to treat a patient with disseminated intravascular coagulation.