How To Use CPT Code 88741

CPT 88741 describes the quantitative evaluation of methemoglobin using a transcutaneous procedure. 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 88741?

CPT 88741 can be used to describe the quantitative evaluation of methemoglobin using a noninvasive, transcutaneous procedure. This code is used when an analyst performs a spectrophotometric measurement of methemoglobin using a sensor placed on the patient’s fingertip. Methemoglobin is a form of hemoglobin that carries oxygen but is unable to release it to tissue. This evaluation is important in assessing conditions that impair hemoglobin’s ability to carry oxygen, such as adverse reactions to anesthesia.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 88741 is: ‘Hemoglobin, quantitative, transcutaneous, per day; methemoglobin.’

3. Procedure

1. An analyst performs a quantitative, noninvasive, spectrophotometric measurement of methemoglobin using a sensor placed on the patient’s fingertip.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 88741 is used when there is a need to evaluate methemoglobin levels in patients. This evaluation is commonly ordered to assess conditions that impair hemoglobin’s ability to carry oxygen, such as adverse reactions to anesthesia. Methemoglobinemia can occur as a congenital condition or as an acquired condition due to exposure to certain chemicals or medications. Patients may exhibit symptoms such as skin discoloration, seizures, or coma.

5. When to use CPT code 88741

CPT code 88741 should be used when there is a need to quantitatively evaluate methemoglobin levels using a transcutaneous procedure. It is appropriate to report this code when an analyst performs the evaluation using a spectrophotometric measurement with a sensor placed on the patient’s fingertip. This code should only be reported once per day.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 88741, the documentation should include:

• Reason for the evaluation of methemoglobin levels
• Details of the procedure performed, including the use of a transcutaneous, spectrophotometric measurement with a sensor placed on the patient’s fingertip
• Date of the evaluation
• Results of the evaluation
• Signature of the analyst performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 88741, ensure that the evaluation is performed using a transcutaneous procedure and a spectrophotometric measurement with a sensor placed on the patient’s fingertip. This code should only be reported once per day. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting this code with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 88741 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. An analyst performs a quantitative evaluation of methemoglobin using a transcutaneous procedure to assess a patient’s response to anesthesia.
2. A clinician orders a quantitative measurement of methemoglobin using a transcutaneous procedure to evaluate a patient with suspected methemoglobinemia.
3. An analyst uses a spectrophotometric measurement with a sensor placed on the patient’s fingertip to quantitatively evaluate methemoglobin levels in a patient with symptoms of skin discoloration.
4. A patient exhibits seizures, and a clinician orders a quantitative evaluation of methemoglobin using a transcutaneous procedure to assess for methemoglobinemia.
5. An analyst performs a noninvasive evaluation of methemoglobin levels using a transcutaneous procedure to monitor a patient’s response to treatment.
6. A clinician orders a quantitative measurement of methemoglobin using a transcutaneous procedure to evaluate a patient with suspected exposure to chemicals that can cause methemoglobinemia.
7. An analyst performs a spectrophotometric measurement of methemoglobin using a sensor placed on the patient’s fingertip to assess a patient’s response to a medication known to cause methemoglobinemia.
8. A patient presents with coma, and a clinician orders a quantitative evaluation of methemoglobin using a transcutaneous procedure to determine if methemoglobinemia is the underlying cause.
9. An analyst uses a noninvasive, transcutaneous procedure to quantitatively evaluate methemoglobin levels in a patient with symptoms of oxygen deprivation.
10. A clinician orders a quantitative measurement of methemoglobin using a transcutaneous procedure to assess a patient’s response to treatment for methemoglobinemia.