2025 CPT code 89230

Sweat collection by iontophoresis.

Follow CPT coding guidelines for laboratory services. Ensure proper documentation supports the medical necessity of the test and accurately reflects the procedure performed.Accurate reporting of the result (chloride concentration) is essential.

Modifiers may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances and payer requirements (e.g., modifier 99 for multiple procedures performed).Consult payer guidelines for details.

Medical necessity for a sweat test is established when a patient presents with clinical symptoms or a family history suggestive of cystic fibrosis or other conditions requiring sweat chloride testing. The test aids in diagnosis, monitoring disease progression, and guiding treatment decisions.

The clinical responsibility rests with the physician who orders the test. The laboratory personnel perform the technical aspects of sweat collection and analysis.The physician interprets the results and provides the diagnosis and treatment plan.

IMPORTANT May be used in conjunction with codes for chloride analysis (e.g., 82438), depending on the specific laboratory and billing practices.If other methods of sweat collection are used, an unlisted code (89240) might be more appropriate.

In simple words: This lab test involves collecting sweat using a mild electrical current to stimulate sweat glands. The collected sweat is then tested, most often to check for cystic fibrosis, a lung disease. It's a painless procedure.

This CPT code describes the procedure of sweat collection using iontophoresis.Iontophoresis is a method that uses a small electric current to introduce pilocarpine (a drug that stimulates sweat glands) into the skin.This stimulates sweat production, and the collected sweat is then analyzed for chloride concentration, primarily to diagnose cystic fibrosis. The procedure involves placing electrodes on the skin, applying a mild electric current for a few minutes, and collecting the produced sweat for analysis.

Example 1: A pediatrician orders a sweat test for an infant exhibiting symptoms suggestive of cystic fibrosis (e.g., persistent cough, salty-tasting skin, failure to thrive). The test result helps confirm the diagnosis., A pulmonologist orders serial sweat tests to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for a patient with cystic fibrosis. Changes in chloride levels reflect the response to therapy., A geneticist orders a sweat test as part of a comprehensive evaluation for a family with a history of cystic fibrosis, to identify carriers or individuals at risk.

* Physician's order specifying the test.* Patient's demographics and medical history.* Detailed description of the iontophoresis procedure, including electrode placement, current parameters, and sweat collection method.* Results of chloride analysis, including units of measurement (mEq/L).* Indication for ordering the test, including specific clinical findings or family history.

** Always refer to the most up-to-date CPT codebook and payer guidelines for accurate coding and billing practices.This information is for guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for professional coding advice.

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