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The CPT® Code 83088 refers to a laboratory test that measures histamine levels in the blood or urine. Histamine is a biogenic amine that plays a crucial role in the body's immune response, particularly in the reaction to allergens and foreign pathogens. It is produced by specific white blood cells known as basophiles and mast cells. In addition to its role in immune responses, histamine is also involved in regulating various physiological functions, including those of the gastrointestinal tract, where it aids in the secretion of gastric acid, and it acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, influencing various neurological functions. The test can be performed using either a blood sample, which is collected through a venipuncture procedure, or a urine sample, which can be obtained from a random void or through a 24-hour collection method. The laboratory analysis of histamine levels is conducted using specific testing methodologies: plasma and whole blood samples are analyzed using a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while urine samples are evaluated using a quantitative enzyme immunoassay. This test is essential for diagnosing conditions related to abnormal histamine levels, which can be indicative of various medical conditions, including allergies and certain gastrointestinal disorders.
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The histamine test (CPT® Code 83088) is indicated for the evaluation of various conditions related to abnormal histamine levels. The following are specific indications for performing this test:
The procedure for obtaining histamine levels involves several key steps, which are outlined below:
After the histamine test is completed, there are generally no specific post-procedure care requirements for patients. However, it is important for patients to follow any additional instructions provided by their healthcare provider regarding the interpretation of results and any necessary follow-up actions. Patients may resume normal activities immediately after sample collection, and results will typically be reviewed by the healthcare provider to determine if further evaluation or treatment is needed based on the histamine levels measured.
| Short Descr | ASSAY OF HISTAMINE | Medium Descr | ASSAY OF HISTAMINE | Long Descr | Histamine | 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. | 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 | 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. | 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. | 76 | Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 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. | Q4 | Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Guideline information changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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