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The CPT® Code 84590 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure the levels of vitamin A, also known as retinol, in the blood. Vitamin A is a crucial nutrient that plays a significant role in various bodily functions, particularly in maintaining healthy vision, skin, teeth, mucous membranes, and soft tissues. Retinol, the storage form of vitamin A, is essential for the production of pigments in the retina, which are vital for proper vision. When vitamin A levels are decreased, individuals may experience a range of health issues, including increased susceptibility to infections and potential vision problems, which can lead to blindness if left unaddressed. Conversely, elevated levels of vitamin A can occur in patients with renal compromise, such as those suffering from kidney disease, as well as due to certain drug interactions that affect vitamin A metabolism. The test is performed by obtaining a blood sample through venipuncture, which is a procedure that involves puncturing a vein to collect blood. The serum or plasma obtained from the blood sample is then analyzed using quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography, a sophisticated technique that allows for precise measurement of vitamin A levels in the bloodstream.
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The vitamin A blood test (CPT® Code 84590) is indicated for several specific conditions and symptoms that may warrant evaluation of vitamin A levels in the body. These indications include:
The procedure for obtaining a vitamin A level measurement involves several key steps, which are outlined as follows:
After the blood sample has been collected, there are generally no specific post-procedure care requirements for the patient. However, patients may be advised to apply pressure to the venipuncture site to minimize bruising and to keep the area clean. Results from the vitamin A test will typically be available within a few days, and healthcare providers will discuss the findings with the patient, particularly if any abnormalities are detected that may require further evaluation or intervention.
| Short Descr | ASSAY OF VITAMIN A | Medium Descr | ASSAY OF VITAMIN A | Long Descr | Vitamin A | 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. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | 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 | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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 |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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