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Chloride is a negatively charged ion, classified as an electrolyte, which plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's fluid balance and acid-base equilibrium. It interacts with other electrolytes, including potassium, sodium (commonly found in salt), and carbon dioxide (CO2), to regulate various physiological functions. The measurement of chloride levels is essential in clinical settings, as it can provide valuable insights into a patient's health status. Specifically, the test associated with CPT® Code 82438 is utilized to assess chloride concentrations from sources other than urine or blood. This test is particularly significant in the evaluation of conditions such as hypokalemia, a state of low potassium levels in the blood, and renal tubular acidosis, a disorder affecting the kidneys' ability to maintain acid-base balance. By analyzing chloride levels, healthcare providers can better understand underlying health issues and guide appropriate treatment strategies.
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The chloride test, represented by CPT® Code 82438, is indicated for various clinical scenarios where electrolyte balance is critical. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this test:
The procedure for conducting the chloride test involves several key steps to ensure accurate measurement of chloride levels from a source other than urine or blood. The following procedural steps are typically followed:
After the chloride test is performed, there are typically no specific post-procedure care requirements, as the test is non-invasive and does not involve any significant risks. However, healthcare providers may discuss the results with the patient, explaining the implications of the chloride levels in relation to their health status. If the test indicates abnormal chloride levels, further diagnostic testing or treatment may be recommended based on the underlying condition being investigated. Continuous monitoring of electrolyte levels may also be advised, especially in patients with conditions such as renal tubular acidosis or those experiencing hypokalemia.
| Short Descr | ASSAY OTHER FLUID CHLORIDES | Medium Descr | CHLORIDE OTHER SOURCE | Long Descr | Chloride; other source | 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 | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | 26 | Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number. | 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. | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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