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The CPT® Code 82180 refers to a laboratory test that measures the levels of ascorbic acid, commonly known as Vitamin C, in the blood. Ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in various bodily functions, including the maintenance of healthy skin, blood vessels, bones, and cartilage, as well as aiding in wound healing. This organic compound is known for its antioxidant properties, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. A deficiency in ascorbic acid can lead to serious health issues, most notably scurvy, a disease characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, inflammation of the gums, and joint pain. The blood test for ascorbic acid is typically ordered when there is a suspicion of deficiency, allowing healthcare providers to assess the nutrient levels in the body accurately. The procedure involves obtaining a blood sample through venipuncture, which is a separate reportable service, and the sample is then analyzed using quantitative spectrophotometry, a method that measures the concentration of ascorbic acid in the blood sample.
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The blood test for ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) levels is indicated in the following situations:
The procedure for measuring ascorbic acid levels in the blood involves several key steps:
After the blood sample has been collected and analyzed, the patient may be advised on any necessary follow-up actions based on the test results. If ascorbic acid levels are found to be low, healthcare providers may recommend dietary changes, supplementation, or further evaluation to address the deficiency. Patients are typically monitored for any symptoms of deficiency and may require additional testing if symptoms persist or worsen. It is also important to document the results of the test and any subsequent recommendations in the patient's medical record for continuity of care.
| Short Descr | ASSAY OF ASCORBIC ACID | Medium Descr | ASSAY OF ASCORBIC ACID BLOOD | Long Descr | Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), blood | 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 | 1 | 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 | Q4 | Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption | 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. | 77 | Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 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. | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | GY | Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary |
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| 2021-01-01 | Note | Guidelines changed. |
| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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