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Methemoglobin is a form of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. In methemoglobin, the iron within the heme group is oxidized to the ferric state, which prevents it from effectively releasing oxygen to tissues. Normally, about 1-2% of hemoglobin in the human body exists as methemoglobin; however, elevated levels can occur due to genetic factors or more commonly, as a result of exposure to certain drugs or environmental toxins. The qualitative test for methemoglobin, represented by CPT® Code 83045, is performed on a blood sample obtained through venipuncture, which is a separate and reportable procedure. This code is specifically used when the presence of methemoglobin is being tested, distinguishing it from CPT® Code 83050, which is utilized when quantifying the amount of methemoglobin present in the blood. Understanding the levels of methemoglobin is crucial for diagnosing conditions related to oxygen transport and potential toxicity.
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Testing for methemoglobin is indicated in various clinical scenarios where there is a suspicion of altered oxygen transport due to elevated levels of methemoglobin. The following conditions may warrant this testing:
The procedure for testing methemoglobin involves several key steps to ensure accurate results. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the procedure, the patient may experience minimal discomfort at the venipuncture site, which typically resolves quickly. There are no specific post-procedure care instructions required for the methemoglobin test itself. However, if the test results indicate elevated levels of methemoglobin, further evaluation and management may be necessary, depending on the underlying cause and the patient's clinical condition. Healthcare providers should discuss the results with the patient and determine any additional steps or treatments that may be required based on the findings.
| Short Descr | HGB METHEMOGLOBIN QUAL | Medium Descr | HEMOGLOBIN METHEMOGLOBIN QUALITATIVE | Long Descr | Hemoglobin; methemoglobin, qualitative | 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 |
| 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. | 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. | 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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| 2023-01-01 | Note | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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