How To Use CPT Code 89049

CPT 89049 describes the caffeine halothane contracture test (CHCT) for evaluating a patient’s muscle biopsy for susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia (MH). 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 89049?

CPT 89049 can be used to describe the caffeine halothane contracture test (CHCT), which is performed to evaluate a patient’s muscle biopsy for susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia (MH). This test helps determine if a patient may have a life-threatening reaction to certain anesthesia drugs.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 89049 is: ‘Caffeine halothane contracture test (CHCT) for malignant hyperthermia susceptibility, including interpretation and report.’

3. Procedure

1. An analyst, typically a pathologist, collects a muscle biopsy from the patient’s thigh muscle, usually under general anesthesia.
2. The muscle sample is placed in a contraction chamber and subjected to electrical stimulation.
3. The analyst measures the muscle contractions with and without exposure to the anesthetic halothane and caffeine.
4. If the contractions increase in response to halothane, it indicates susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia.
5. The analyst provides an interpretation of the test results and issues a report.

4. Qualifying circumstances

A clinician may order a CHCT for patients with a personal or family history of malignant hyperthermia or for those undergoing anesthesia. The test helps identify individuals who may be at risk for MH and allows clinicians to consider alternative anesthesia drugs to avoid complications.

5. When to use CPT code 89049

CPT code 89049 should be used when performing the caffeine halothane contracture test (CHCT) to evaluate a patient’s muscle biopsy for susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia. It is important to use this code when reporting the test and its interpretation.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 89049, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the CHCT, such as personal or family history of malignant hyperthermia or planned anesthesia
• Details of the muscle biopsy procedure
• Observations and measurements of muscle contractions with and without exposure to halothane and caffeine
• Interpretation of the test results
• Issued report by the analyst or pathologist

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 89049, ensure that the test is performed by an analyst, typically a pathologist. Follow the appropriate coding guidelines and ensure accurate reporting of the test and its interpretation. It is important to understand if CPT code 89049 should be reported with any other codes based on the specific circumstances of the test.

8. Historical information

CPT 89049 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2006. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A pathologist performing a caffeine halothane contracture test (CHCT) on a muscle biopsy to evaluate a patient’s susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia.
2. A clinician ordering a CHCT for a patient with a family history of malignant hyperthermia to assess their risk before anesthesia.
3. An analyst conducting a CHCT on a muscle biopsy from a patient undergoing surgery to determine their susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia.
4. A pathologist interpreting the results of a CHCT and issuing a report indicating the patient’s susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia.
5. A clinician considering alternative anesthesia drugs for a patient who tested positive for malignant hyperthermia susceptibility on a CHCT.
6. An analyst performing a CHCT on a muscle biopsy to evaluate a patient’s response to halothane and caffeine.
7. A pathologist providing an interpretation of a CHCT and advising the clinician on the patient’s susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia.
8. A clinician ordering a CHCT for a patient with a personal history of malignant hyperthermia to assess their risk before anesthesia.
9. An analyst conducting a CHCT on a muscle biopsy to determine if a patient is susceptible to malignant hyperthermia.
10. A pathologist reviewing the results of a CHCT and issuing a report indicating the patient’s susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia.