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The CPT® Code 82136 refers to the quantitative measurement of amino acids, specifically when analyzing 2 to 5 amino acids from a specimen. This procedure involves obtaining a sample, which can be blood, urine, or cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), to assess the levels of amino acids present. Amino acids are organic compounds characterized by the presence of an amine group, a carboxylic acid group, and a unique side chain that distinguishes each amino acid from one another. They serve as the fundamental building blocks of proteins, which are essential for various biological functions, including metabolism and overall health. Abnormal levels of amino acids can lead to significant health issues, and symptoms such as failure to thrive, persistent vomiting, neurological deterioration, hyperammonemia, extreme lethargy, and metabolic acidosis may indicate an underlying problem with amino acid metabolism. Conditions that necessitate amino acid analysis often include acute life-threatening episodes and inborn errors of metabolism. The testing process typically employs ion exchange chromatography to accurately quantify the specific amino acids in the specimen. The exact amino acids analyzed depend on the clinical context; for instance, a cystinuria panel specifically evaluates four amino acids: arginine, cystine, lysine, and ornithine. It is important to note that the CPT® Code 82136 is applicable for the quantitative analysis of 2 to 5 amino acids, while CPT® Code 82139 is designated for the analysis of 6 or more amino acids. Each code is reported for every separate specimen that is tested.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 82136 is indicated for various clinical scenarios where amino acid levels need to be assessed. The following conditions and symptoms may warrant this analysis:
The procedure for CPT® Code 82136 involves several key steps to ensure accurate quantitative analysis of amino acids. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the procedure associated with CPT® Code 82136, the patient may not require any specific post-procedure care, as the analysis is typically non-invasive and involves laboratory testing. However, it is essential for healthcare providers to monitor the patient for any symptoms that may arise related to their underlying condition. The results of the amino acid analysis will be reviewed and discussed with the patient, and further diagnostic or therapeutic steps may be determined based on the findings. Follow-up appointments may be necessary to evaluate the patient's condition and response to any interventions initiated as a result of the amino acid analysis.
| Short Descr | AMINO ACIDS QUANT 2-5 | Medium Descr | AMINO ACIDS 2-5 AMINO ACIDS QUANTITATIVE EA SPEC | Long Descr | Amino acids, 2 to 5 amino acids, quantitative, each specimen | Status Code | Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 9 - Not Applicable | Multiple Procedures (51) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Co-Surgeons (62) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Team Surgery (66) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | CLIA Waived (QW) | No | APC Status Indicator | Conditionally packaged laboratory tests | Type of Service (TOS) | 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule) | MUE | 2 | CCS Clinical Classification | 233 - Laboratory - Chemistry and Hematology |
| 90 | Reference (outside) laboratory: when laboratory procedures are performed by a party other than the treating or reporting physician or other qualified health care professional, the procedure may be identified by adding modifier 90 to the usual procedure number. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 91 | Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient. |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 1999-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1999. |
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