CPT® Code 83014

The CPT® Code 83014 refers to the administration of a drug specifically for the purpose of conducting a test to detect Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. H. pylori is a type of bacterium that resides in the stomach and is known to cause various gastrointestinal conditions, including chronic active gastritis, duodenal ulcers, and nonulcerative dyspepsia. The test involves measuring the urease activity in exhaled breath, which is indicative of the presence of H. pylori. The procedure begins with the collection of a baseline breath sample from the patient, followed by the oral administration of a solution or capsule containing 75 mg of (13) C-urea, known as Pranactin-Citric. This compound is metabolized in the stomach by H. pylori, leading to the production of (13) CO2, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream and subsequently exhaled. A second breath sample is collected approximately 13 to 18 minutes after ingestion to assess the presence of H. pylori through quantitative infrared spectrophotometry. It is important to note that while code 83014 pertains to the administration of the medication and the collection of breath samples, code 83013 is utilized for the analysis of the breath sample itself, which includes the necessary medication and test supplies.