How To Use CPT Code 88720

CPT 88720 describes the noninvasive assessment of bilirubin levels in a patient without puncturing the skin. 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 88720?

CPT 88720 can be used to describe the noninvasive assessment of bilirubin levels in a patient without the need for skin puncture. This code is used when a lab analyst or provider uses an instrument that shines a light through the skin to measure the amount of bilirubin present in the patient’s blood.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 88720 is: ‘Bilirubin, total, transcutaneous.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst or provider performs all technical steps to assess the amount of bilirubin present in the patient without puncturing the skin.
2. An instrument that shines a light through the skin is used to measure the amount of bilirubin present.
3. The meter on the instrument provides a number or a number range indicating the level of bilirubin in the patient’s blood.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 88720 is typically ordered for patients with hyperbilirubinemia or jaundice to monitor their bilirubin levels. It is especially useful in newborns who may develop jaundice shortly after birth. This noninvasive procedure allows for monitoring of bilirubin levels without the need for a needle stick.

5. When to use CPT code 88720

CPT code 88720 should be used when a noninvasive assessment of bilirubin levels is performed without puncturing the skin. It is appropriate for patients with hyperbilirubinemia or jaundice, including newborns.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 88720, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the assessment, such as hyperbilirubinemia or jaundice
• Details of the noninvasive procedure performed
• Results of the bilirubin assessment

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 88720, ensure that the assessment is performed without puncturing the skin. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 88720 with other codes. However, it is important to follow any applicable bundling or unbundling rules and guidelines provided by payers.

8. Historical information

CPT 88720 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2009. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performing a noninvasive bilirubin assessment on a patient with hyperbilirubinemia.
2. A provider using an instrument to measure the bilirubin levels in a newborn with jaundice.
3. A noninvasive bilirubin assessment being performed on a patient with liver damage to monitor their bilirubin levels.
4. A lab analyst using a transcutaneous bilirubinometer to assess the bilirubin levels in a patient with elevated levels.
5. A provider performing a noninvasive bilirubin assessment on a patient with suspected liver disease.
6. A noninvasive assessment of bilirubin levels being performed on a newborn to monitor their jaundice.
7. A lab analyst using a noninvasive method to assess the bilirubin levels in a patient with a history of hyperbilirubinemia.
8. A provider using a noninvasive instrument to measure the bilirubin levels in a patient with a suspected liver disorder.
9. A noninvasive bilirubin assessment being performed on a newborn to monitor their bilirubin levels without the need for a needle stick.
10. A lab analyst using a noninvasive technique to assess the bilirubin levels in a patient with a known liver condition.