2025 CPT code 83015
Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory Procedures - Chemistry Procedures Feed
Qualitative analysis of heavy metals (e.g., arsenic, barium, beryllium, bismuth, antimony, mercury) in any number of analytes.
Modifiers may be applicable to indicate specific circumstances, such as a repeat test (modifier 91) or testing performed by an outside laboratory (modifier 90).
Medical necessity for this test is established when there is a reasonable suspicion of heavy metal exposure or toxicity based on the patient's history, symptoms, or occupational/environmental risks.
The laboratory analyst performs the technical procedures to identify the presence of heavy metals in various specimens. This typically involves techniques like atomic absorption spectroscopy.
In simple words: This test checks for the presence of harmful heavy metals in your body. It tells you if they are there, but not how much is present. It's like a yes/no test, not a measurement.
This code represents a qualitative analysis for the presence of heavy metals like arsenic, barium, beryllium, bismuth, antimony, and mercury in a specimen. The test identifies the presence or absence of these metals but does not quantify the amount present. The specimen may be blood, urine, or other body fluids. This test is often used to screen for heavy metal poisoning. If a heavy metal is detected, further quantitative testing may be necessary to determine the level of toxicity.
Example 1: A patient presents with symptoms suggestive of heavy metal poisoning, such as abdominal pain, fatigue, and neurological issues. The physician orders a qualitative heavy metal screen (83015) to determine if heavy metals are present., A worker in a battery factory undergoes routine screening for heavy metal exposure. Code 83015 is used for the qualitative analysis of heavy metals in their blood or urine., A child is suspected of lead poisoning due to exposure to lead-based paint in an older home. A qualitative heavy metal screen (83015) is performed to check for the presence of lead.
Documentation should include the reason for testing (e.g., suspected exposure, symptoms), the type of specimen collected (e.g., blood, urine), and the specific heavy metals being screened. The clinical findings that support the medical necessity of the test should also be documented.
- Specialties:Occupational Medicine, Toxicology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics
- Place of Service:Independent Laboratory, Office