Wiki 83721 & 80061

I apologize but my prior post that I just completed was amiss; with not being able to (edit it) or fix it so I voided and reposted it. The information is the same excluding the double introduction.


Hi bharathiT,

I have a little information to offer on the 83721/80061 scenario from when I coded laboratory charges & denials. We received a denial to our appeal and this is the information that they provided.

CPT code 83721 (lipoprotein, direct measure; direct measurement, LDL cholesterol) describes direct measurement of LDL cholesterol. It should not be used to report a calculated LDL cholesterol. Direct measurement of LDL cholesterol in addition to total cholesterol (CPT 82465) or lipid panel (80061) may be reasonable and necessary if the triglyceride level is too high (greater than or equal to 400 mg/dl) to permit calculation of the LDL cholesterol. In such circumstances, CPT 83721 should be reported with modifier 59.

Thanks for listening & have a great evening,

Dana Chock, RHIT, CPC, CANPC, CHONC, CPMA, CPB

Coding Analyst (May 2018-present), Anesthesia, Pathology, Laboratory Coder (Fall 2012-May 2018), Denial Specialist (December 2012-December 2016)
 
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