2025 CPT code 82438
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Laboratory - Chemistry Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Procedures Feed
Chloride measurement in a sample other than blood or urine (e.g., sweat, cerebrospinal fluid).
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of service.For example, modifier 90 may be used if the testing is performed by an outside laboratory.Consult the CPT manual for a complete list and guidelines for modifiers.
The medical necessity for a chloride test (82438) is determined by the physician based on the patient's clinical presentation and the need to assess electrolyte balance or aid in the diagnosis of specific conditions (e.g., cystic fibrosis, certain neurological disorders).Documentation justifying the test's medical necessity is required for reimbursement.
The clinical responsibility lies with the laboratory analyst who performs the quantitative measurement of chloride using an ion-selective electrode. The ordering physician is responsible for determining the medical necessity of the test based on the patient's clinical presentation and suspected diagnosis.
In simple words: This lab test measures the amount of chloride (a type of salt) in a body fluid sample like sweat or spinal fluid.It helps doctors check if your body's salt balance is normal, and may be used to diagnose conditions such as cystic fibrosis.
This CPT code encompasses the quantitative measurement of chloride ions in biological samples obtained from sources other than blood or urine.Common sources include sweat and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The measurement is typically performed using an ion-selective electrode method.The test is used to assess electrolyte balance and may be particularly relevant in diagnosing conditions such as cystic fibrosis, where elevated sweat chloride levels are characteristic.
Example 1: A patient presents with symptoms suggestive of cystic fibrosis. A sweat chloride test (82438) is ordered to help confirm or rule out the diagnosis. The elevated sweat chloride levels are consistent with cystic fibrosis., A patient undergoes a lumbar puncture, and the resulting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is analyzed for chloride levels. An elevated chloride concentration in CSF may indicate a neurological disorder or other underlying condition., Following a suspected case of salt imbalance, chloride levels are measured in a sweat sample taken after inducing sweating using pilocarpine iontophoresis. The test assists in evaluating the integrity of electrolyte homeostasis.
* Patient demographics and relevant medical history.* Physician's order specifying the type of sample (e.g., sweat, CSF).* Detailed laboratory report with quantitative chloride levels.* Indication of the method used for the chloride measurement (e.g., ion-selective electrode).
** Always ensure proper documentation to support medical necessity.The method used to measure chloride concentration should be documented in the laboratory report.
- Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE))
- RVU: Information not available in provided sources. Refer to CMS guidelines and local payer policies for RVU and reimbursement details.
- Global Days : Not applicable to this laboratory test.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.This is a laboratory test; technical component modifiers are not used.
- Fee Schedule : Historical fee schedule data not available in the provided sources.This information can be found in historical CPT fee schedules or through payer-specific information.
- Specialties:Clinical Chemistry, Pediatrics, Pulmonology, Neurology
- Place of Service:Laboratory, Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient), Physician's office