How To Use CPT Code 89060

CPT 89060 describes the process of crystal identification by light microscopy with or without polarizing lens analysis in tissue or any body fluid, excluding urine. 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 89060?

CPT 89060 can be used to describe the laboratory test performed by a lab analyst to identify crystals in tissue or body fluid, excluding urine, using light microscopy. This test may or may not include polarizing lens analysis. It is commonly ordered when a patient has painful joints, as certain minerals can form crystals in the body, leading to conditions such as gout or certain types of arthritis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 89060 is: ‘Crystal identification by light microscopy with or without polarizing lens analysis, tissue or any body fluid (except urine).’ It is important to note that this code should not be reported for crystal identification on paraffin-embedded tissue.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst receives a specimen of tissue or body fluid, excluding urine, for crystal identification.
2. The analyst selects the appropriate method, which may or may not include polarizing lens analysis, to analyze the specimen using light microscopy.
3. The specimen is placed on a slide and viewed under a light microscope, allowing the crystals to refract light and become visible.
4. If necessary, the analyst may use polarizing lenses to better identify specific types of crystals.
5. The result of the analysis is reported as either positive or negative for the presence of crystals, without providing a numeric value.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 89060 is used when there is a need to identify crystals in tissue or body fluid, excluding urine. This test is commonly ordered for patients with painful joints or suspected crystal-related conditions such as gout or certain types of arthritis. It is important to note that this code should not be used for crystal identification on paraffin-embedded tissue.

5. When to use CPT code 89060

CPT code 89060 should be used when there is a need to identify crystals in tissue or body fluid, excluding urine, using light microscopy. It is appropriate to use this code when the lab analyst performs the test and reports the result as positive or negative for the presence of crystals. However, it should not be used for crystal identification on paraffin-embedded tissue.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 89060, the documentation should include:

• Indication of the need for crystal identification in tissue or body fluid, excluding urine
• Details of the method used, including whether polarizing lens analysis was performed
• Date and time of the analysis
• Result of the analysis, reported as positive or negative for the presence of crystals

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 89060, ensure that the test is performed on tissue or body fluid, excluding urine, and that the result is reported as positive or negative for the presence of crystals. It is important to note that this code should not be reported for crystal identification on paraffin-embedded tissue. Additionally, other codes such as CPT 88104 for cytopathology with interpretation may be reported in addition to CPT 89060. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer when reporting this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 89060 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. On January 1, 2007, the code description was revised to specify that crystal identification can be performed in any body fluid, excluding urine.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs crystal identification by light microscopy on a specimen of joint fluid to determine the presence of crystals associated with gout.
2. A lab analyst analyzes a synovial tissue sample using light microscopy to identify calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate crystals, indicating a certain type of arthritis.
3. A lab analyst examines a specimen of body fluid from a patient with suspected crystal-related symptoms to determine the presence of crystals using light microscopy.
4. A lab analyst performs crystal identification on a specimen of joint fluid using light microscopy, reporting a negative result for the presence of crystals.
5. A lab analyst uses polarizing lens analysis during crystal identification by light microscopy on a tissue sample to better identify specific types of crystals.
6. A lab analyst analyzes a specimen of body fluid, excluding urine, for the presence of crystals using light microscopy, reporting a positive result for crystal identification.
7. A lab analyst performs crystal identification on a specimen of synovial fluid using light microscopy, providing a report indicating the presence of monosodium urate crystals.
8. A lab analyst examines a tissue sample from a patient’s extremity for the presence of crystals using light microscopy, reporting a negative result.
9. A lab analyst performs crystal identification on a specimen of body fluid, excluding urine, using light microscopy, reporting a positive result for the presence of calcium oxalate crystals.
10. A lab analyst uses polarizing lens analysis during crystal identification by light microscopy on a tissue sample, identifying the presence of calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate crystals.