2025 CPT code 85810
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory - Hematology and Coagulation Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Feed
Measurement of serum viscosity.
Modifiers may be applicable. Modifier 91 is used for repeat laboratory tests performed on the same day. Modifier 90 indicates the test was performed by an outside laboratory.
Medical necessity for 85810 is established when the test is ordered to evaluate signs and symptoms suggestive of hyperviscosity syndrome or to monitor conditions known to cause hyperviscosity, such as elevated monoclonal antibody levels in multiple myeloma or Waldenström's macroglobulinemia.
The lab analyst performs the technical lab steps to prepare the serum sample and measure the viscosity using specialized equipment and established procedures.They analyze the results and report the findings.
In simple words: This test measures how thick your blood serum is.A thicker serum can sometimes mean you have a condition called hyperviscosity syndrome. This can cause problems with your vision, dizziness, bleeding, and other symptoms. The test helps doctors figure out if you might have this condition.
This code represents the laboratory procedure for measuring the viscosity of a patient's serum. It involves technical steps to prepare the serum sample and determine its viscosity, which refers to the thickness and resistance to flow. This may be done using an instrument that measures the force required to move a probe through the sample, with the results converted to viscosity units via a calibration curve.This test is often used to aid in diagnosing hyperviscosity syndrome, a condition that can cause symptoms such as vision problems, dizziness, bleeding, hearing loss, and heart failure. It's also used when there are extremely high levels of serum monoclonal antibodies, which can contribute to hyperviscosity.
Example 1: A patient presents with vision disturbances, dizziness, and unexplained bleeding. The physician orders a serum viscosity test (85810) to evaluate for hyperviscosity syndrome., A patient with multiple myeloma has significantly elevated serum monoclonal antibody levels.The physician orders a serum viscosity test (85810) to monitor for potential hyperviscosity complications., A patient receiving treatment for Waldenström's macroglobulinemia undergoes regular serum viscosity tests (85810) to track the effectiveness of therapy in managing hyperviscosity.
Documentation should include the reason for the test (e.g., symptoms, diagnosis), the date of service, and the results of the viscosity measurement.Any relevant clinical findings associated with hyperviscosity syndrome should also be documented.
** Specimen collection codes, such as 36415 for venipuncture, may be billed separately.
- Revenue Code: T1H - LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE)
- Specialties:Hematology, Oncology, Pathology, Internal Medicine
- Place of Service:Independent Laboratory, Hospital Laboratory (Inpatient or Outpatient)