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The CPT® Code 83655 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure lead levels in various biological specimens, including blood, urine, hair, or nails. Lead is classified as a heavy metal that poses significant health risks due to its ability to accumulate in soft tissues and bones over time. This accumulation can lead to severe damage to the nervous system and brain, making the monitoring of lead exposure critical for health assessments. The test is essential for determining the extent of exposure to lead and for evaluating the effectiveness of any treatment administered to reduce lead levels in the body. The procedure involves obtaining a blood sample, which can be collected through a venipuncture or a capillary draw, such as a heel stick. Additionally, urine specimens can be collected either as a random voided sample or a 24-hour collection. Hair samples may be taken from various areas, including the scalp, axilla, pubic region, or face, while nail clippings are collected from all ten fingernails and toenails. All specimen types are analyzed for lead content using a sophisticated technique known as quantitative inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, which provides precise measurements of lead levels in the samples tested.
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The lead level test (CPT® Code 83655) is indicated for several specific conditions and situations where lead exposure is a concern. The following are the primary indications for performing this test:
The procedure for testing lead levels involves several steps, each critical to ensuring accurate results. The following outlines the procedural steps involved in obtaining and testing the necessary specimens:
After the lead level testing is completed, the results are typically reviewed and interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional. Depending on the findings, further action may be required, such as additional testing, treatment for lead exposure, or recommendations for lifestyle changes to minimize future exposure. Patients may also be advised on follow-up testing to monitor lead levels over time, especially if initial results indicate elevated lead concentrations. It is essential for healthcare providers to communicate the results clearly to patients and discuss any necessary interventions or preventive measures.
| Short Descr | ASSAY OF LEAD | Medium Descr | ASSAY OF LEAD | Long Descr | Lead | 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) | Yes | 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 | 2 | 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. | 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 | Q4 | Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption | QW | Clia waived test | 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. | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | GX | Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy | 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 | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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