2025 CPT code 83986
Effective Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory - Chemistry Procedures Feed
pH measurement of body fluid, not otherwise specified.
Modifiers may be applicable to code 83986. Modifier 59 may be necessary if the pH test is distinct from other tests performed on the same day. Modifier 91 can be used for repeat testing of the same body fluid. Modifier 90 indicates testing performed by an outside laboratory.
Medical necessity for 83986 must be supported by the patient's clinical condition and the reason for testing. The documentation must explain why the pH of the specified body fluid is necessary for diagnosis or treatment.
The clinical responsibility for this code typically falls on laboratory personnel who conduct the analysis of the body fluid sample. This might include medical technologists, clinical laboratory scientists, or other trained laboratory staff who conduct and interpret the test according to established laboratory procedures.
In simple words: This test measures how acidic or alkaline a body fluid is, other than blood. It helps doctors figure out if there's a problem, like an infection or other medical condition, in a specific area of the body by testing fluids from that area, such as fluid around the lungs or from the abdomen.
This code represents the laboratory test to determine the pH (acidity or alkalinity) of a body fluid not otherwise specified in CPT coding. This commonly includes fluids such as peritoneal, pericardial, pleural, cerebrospinal, synovial, amniotic, and other fluids not specifically listed for individual pH testing. The test may involve various methods like pH meters, blood gas analyzers, or litmus paper depending on the laboratory protocol.
Example 1: A patient presents with abdominal pain and suspected peritonitis. A sample of peritoneal fluid is collected and sent to the lab for pH testing (83986) to help determine the presence and severity of infection., A patient with shortness of breath undergoes thoracentesis. Pleural fluid is collected, and pH analysis (83986) is requested along with other tests to differentiate between a transudate and an exudate, which aids in diagnosing the cause of the pleural effusion., Following a penetrating eye injury, irrigation is performed, and a sample of ocular fluid is collected for pH testing (83986) to assess the effectiveness of the irrigation and ensure complete removal of the chemical irritant.
Documentation for 83986 should include the source of the body fluid, the method used for pH measurement, and the test result. Supporting documentation may also include the reason for the test and relevant clinical findings. It should clearly specify the body fluid being tested as the description specifies "not otherwise specified".
- Specialties:This code is commonly used by specialties that encounter and analyze body fluids, such as: Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, Gastroenterology, Obstetrics/Gynecology, and Ophthalmology. Laboratory services are also key in the utilization of this code.
- Place of Service:This code can be performed in various settings, including: "Inpatient Hospital", "Outpatient Hospital", "Independent Laboratory", "Physician's Office", and potentially "Emergency Room - Hospital".