How To Use CPT Code 86930

CPT 86930 describes the process of freezing a unit of blood for future use. 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 86930?

CPT 86930 involves the preparation and freezing of a unit of blood by a lab analyst. This procedure is performed in a way that allows the blood to be thawed and used in the future. It may include steps such as placing the blood in a special freezing container and adding concentrated glycerol before freezing using a mechanical freezer or liquid nitrogen. While this code is not limited to a specific condition, it is often ordered by clinicians to preserve a unit of blood for future transfusion.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 86930 is: ‘Frozen blood, each unit; freezing (includes preparation).’ This code falls under the range of Transfusion Medicine Procedures (86850-86999).

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst prepares the unit of blood for freezing.
2. The blood is placed in a special freezing container.
3. Concentrated glycerol may be added to the blood.
4. The blood is frozen using a mechanical freezer or liquid nitrogen.
5. The frozen blood is stored for future use.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 86930 can be used when a unit of blood is prepared and frozen for future use. There are no specific qualifying circumstances related to a patient’s condition for this code. However, clinicians often order this procedure to preserve a unit of blood for future transfusion.

5. When to use CPT code 86930

CPT code 86930 should be used when a lab analyst prepares and freezes a unit of blood for future use. It is important to note that this code is specific to the freezing process and does not include any additional services or procedures related to the transfusion or thawing of the blood.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 86930, the documentation should include:

• Identification of the unit of blood being frozen
• Details of the preparation process, including any additional substances added
• Method of freezing used
• Date and time of the freezing procedure
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 86930, ensure that the procedure is performed by a lab analyst and that the freezing process is properly documented. It is important to report one unit of 86930 for each blood unit frozen. Additionally, be aware that freezing and thawing may be separately billable for certain blood products, such as irradiated red blood cells, but not for others, such as RBC deglycerolized.

8. Historical information

CPT 86930 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst prepares and freezes a unit of blood for future use in a transfusion.
2. A unit of blood is placed in a special freezing container and frozen using liquid nitrogen by a lab analyst.
3. A lab analyst adds concentrated glycerol to a unit of blood and freezes it using a mechanical freezer.
4. A unit of blood is prepared and frozen by a lab analyst to be stored for future use in a patient’s surgery.
5. A lab analyst follows the necessary steps to freeze a unit of blood, ensuring its preservation for future transfusion.
6. A unit of blood is frozen by a lab analyst using a specialized freezing container and mechanical freezer.
7. A lab analyst prepares a unit of blood for freezing, ensuring it is properly stored for future use in a patient’s treatment.
8. A unit of blood is frozen by a lab analyst, following the necessary procedures to maintain its integrity for future transfusion.
9. A lab analyst freezes a unit of blood, taking the necessary precautions to ensure its viability for future use.
10. A unit of blood is prepared and frozen by a lab analyst, adhering to the proper freezing techniques to preserve its quality for future transfusion.