CPT® Code 84163

The CPT® Code 84163 refers to the laboratory test for measuring pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) levels in a blood sample. This protein is crucial during pregnancy as it serves as a biomarker for various potential complications. The test is primarily utilized as a screening tool for pregnant women, particularly between the 8 to 14 weeks of gestation. Low levels of PAPP-A can indicate an increased risk for several serious conditions, including intrauterine growth restriction, trisomy 18 and 21, premature delivery, preeclampsia, and stillbirth. To ensure accurate results, it is essential that a nuchal translucency (NT) measurement is performed via ultrasonography prior to conducting the PAPP-A test. This measurement provides critical information that must be documented, including the fetal crown-rump length in centimeters, the date of the ultrasound, the patient's date of birth, current weight, due date, number of fetuses, the patient's race, and any history of previous pregnancies with chromosomal abnormalities. In cases where the pregnancy is achieved through egg donation, the age of the donor must also be recorded. The PAPP-A levels are subsequently analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which helps in evaluating the risk for the aforementioned complications during the pregnancy.