2025 CPT code 84255
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory Procedures - Blood Chemistry Chemistry Procedures Feed
This code represents a laboratory test to quantitatively measure the level of selenium in a patient's sample (typically blood or urine).
Modifiers may apply depending on the place of service, the type of laboratory, or other factors. Consult current CPT manual and payer-specific guidelines for modifier application.
Medical necessity for a selenium test is established when clinical symptoms suggest a deficiency or excess, or in cases of occupational exposure, or to monitor effectiveness of selenium supplementation. The ordering physician should document the clinical indication for the test in the patient's medical record. Payer-specific guidelines may necessitate additional documentation for reimbursement.
The clinical responsibility lies with the laboratory analyst who performs the technical aspects of the test, including specimen handling, chemical analysis (such as mass spectrometry), and reporting the results. The ordering physician interprets the results in the context of the patient's clinical presentation.
In simple words: This lab test measures the amount of selenium in your blood or urine. Selenium is a mineral important for your health. The test helps doctors see if you have too little or too much selenium.
This CPT code, 84255, encompasses the analytical procedure for the quantitative determination of selenium concentration in a patient specimen.The specimen source may vary (blood, urine, etc.), and the test is performed using methodologies such as mass spectrometry, which employs electron bombardment and electromagnetic fields to identify elements based on mass or fragmentation patterns.Results are reported separately for each specimen and time point if multiple samples are analyzed.The test is primarily utilized to assess selenium deficiency (potentially linked to poor diet, total parenteral nutrition, or other conditions), or conversely, to detect elevated selenium levels, possibly indicating occupational exposure. Clinically derived information not specifically requested is included as part of the test; only explicitly requested analytes are separately reportable.
Example 1: A patient presents with symptoms suggestive of selenium deficiency, including muscle weakness and impaired immune function.The physician orders a selenium blood test (84255) to assess selenium levels and guide treatment decisions.If levels are low, dietary changes or supplementation may be recommended., An individual working in a selenium-processing plant undergoes regular health monitoring. As part of their assessment, a urine selenium test (84255) is performed to identify any potential occupational exposure and related health risks., A patient on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) experiences neurological symptoms.The doctor orders a selenium blood test (84255) to determine if selenium deficiency, a possible complication of TPN, is contributing to the patient's condition.
* Patient demographics and identifying information.* Physician's order specifying the test (selenium level).* Specimen collection details (date, time, source - blood or urine, etc.).* Laboratory report with quantitative selenium results and units.* Any relevant clinical information regarding patient's symptoms, diet, or occupational exposures.
** This information is for reference only.Always consult the current CPT codebook and payer-specific guidelines for the most accurate and up-to-date coding and reimbursement information.
- Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE))
- RVU: Information not available in provided sources.Consult current CPT codebook and local payer guidelines for RVU data.
- Global Days : Not applicable.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable; This code is not typically associated with a technical component modifier.
- Fee Schedule : Information not available in the provided sources. Refer to historical CPT fee schedules or other relevant sources.
- Specialties:Clinical Chemistry, Endocrinology, Occupational Medicine, Internal Medicine, Toxicology
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient/Outpatient), Laboratory