How To Use CPT Code 89055
CPT 89055 describes the analysis of leukocytes in a stool specimen, providing a qualitative or semiquantitative result. 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 89055?
CPT 89055 can be used to describe the analysis of leukocytes in a stool specimen. This code indicates whether leukocytes are present or absent in the specimen, or provides a semiquantitative result indicating the amount of leukocytes present, such as one plus or moderate amount.
2. Official Description
The official description of CPT code 89055 is: ‘Leukocyte assessment, fecal, qualitative or semiquantitative.’
3. Procedure
- The lab analyst performs the technical steps to analyze a stool specimen for the presence of leukocytes.
- A sample of the feces is mixed with saline on a slide and stained to look for leukocytes.
- The result will indicate the presence or absence of leukocytes, or provide a semiquantitative result indicating the amount of leukocytes present.
4. Qualifying circumstances
CPT 89055 may be ordered by clinicians if they suspect a patient has colitis or an intestinal infection. Feces does not normally contain leukocytes, so the presence of leukocytes in the stool may indicate inflammation of the colon or an infection.
5. When to use CPT code 89055
CPT code 89055 should be used when a clinician orders an analysis of leukocytes in a stool specimen to investigate the presence of colitis or an intestinal infection. It should not be used for routine stool analysis or for other specific conditions.
6. Documentation requirements
To support a claim for CPT 89055, the documentation should include:
- Reason for ordering the analysis, such as suspicion of colitis or intestinal infection
- Details of the stool specimen analyzed
- Result of the analysis, indicating the presence or absence of leukocytes or providing a semiquantitative result
7. Billing guidelines
When billing for CPT 89055, ensure that the analysis of leukocytes in a stool specimen is performed. It should not be reported with other codes unless medically necessary. Consider the location of the testing facility when coding for this procedure.
8. Historical information
CPT 89055 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2003. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.
9. Examples
- A clinician orders an analysis of leukocytes in a stool specimen for a patient with suspected colitis.
- A patient presents with symptoms of an intestinal infection, and a clinician orders an analysis of leukocytes in a stool specimen to investigate the cause.
- A stool specimen is analyzed for leukocytes in a patient with chronic gastrointestinal issues to monitor their condition.
- A clinician orders an analysis of leukocytes in a stool specimen for a patient with unexplained abdominal pain.
- A patient with a history of colitis undergoes regular stool analysis to monitor the presence of leukocytes.
