2025 CPT code 84311
Effective Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory Procedures - Chemistry Procedures Feed
Spectrophotometry, analyte not elsewhere specified.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the test. Modifier 91 is used for repeat lab tests on the same day. Modifier 59 may be necessary to indicate a distinct procedural service. Modifier 90 indicates that the test was performed by an outside laboratory.
Medical necessity must be clearly documented. As this code is for an analyte not otherwise specified, the rationale for performing this test and why a more specific test was not applicable must be documented. The specific clinical condition and the information expected to be gained from this test should be explained.
The laboratory analyst performs the technical steps involved in spectrophotometry, preparing the sample, running the test on a spectrophotometer, and interpreting the results.
In simple words: This test uses a lab technique called spectrophotometry to measure the amount of a specific substance in a sample, when there's no other specific test code for that substance.
This code represents a spectrophotometric analysis of an analyte that is not described by a more specific CPT code. Spectrophotometry is a laboratory technique that measures the amount of light absorbed by a substance at specific wavelengths. It's used to quantify the concentration of a specific analyte in a sample.
Example 1: A patient presents with unusual symptoms, and the physician orders a series of tests, including a spectrophotometric analysis of a specific, unusual metabolite in the blood that doesn't have a dedicated CPT code., A researcher is conducting a study that involves measuring the concentration of a novel drug compound in tissue samples. As this drug is new, there's no existing specific code for its spectrophotometric analysis., A patient with a complex metabolic disorder requires monitoring of specific analytes not routinely tested. Spectrophotometry is employed to quantify these unique analytes.
The documentation should include the specific analyte being measured, the sample source (e.g., blood, urine), the clinical reason for the test, and the results of the spectrophotometric analysis. Because this is an "unlisted" code, additional documentation supporting medical necessity may be required.
** For the most accurate information about the use and reimbursement of this code, it is essential to contact the specific payer as policies can vary. As this is a code for an analyte not otherwise specified, providing detailed supporting documentation is crucial for justifying the medical necessity of the test.
- Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE))
- Specialties: Various medical specialties may use this code depending on the specific analyte being measured. Specialties might include: internal medicine, endocrinology, toxicology, and oncology. It's also relevant in research settings.
- Place of Service:This test would typically be performed in an independent laboratory (Independent Laboratory), a hospital laboratory (Inpatient Hospital or On Campus-Outpatient Hospital), or a physician's office laboratory (Office).