85520 Heparin assay
Also known as: heparin assay, heparin level
Quantitative assay of heparin concentration in blood using protamine titration or chromogenic substrate methodology to monitor heparin anticoagulation therapy.
In Plain Language
blood thinner level test; heparin drug measurement
Clinical Context
Monitors unfractionated heparin therapy in patients with heparin resistance or extreme body weight; therapeutic heparin levels prevent thrombosis without excessive bleeding.
RVU Information
CPT 85520 does not have a physician work RVU assigned by CMS. Reimbursement for this code is determined by payer-specific fee schedules.
Billing & Documentation
Lab and pathology codes require an order from the treating provider with clinical indication. For molecular pathology and genetic testing, document the specific analytes tested and clinical rationale.
How This Code Compares
This code has a work RVU of 0.00, meaning it does not have a physician work component assigned by CMS. In the Pathology & Lab category, 94% of codes share this characteristic.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 85520?
CPT 85520 (Heparin assay) is a Pathology & Lab code. Quantitative assay of heparin concentration in blood using protamine titration or chromogenic substrate methodology to monitor heparin anticoagulation therapy.
Who uses CPT code 85520?
CPT 85520 is used by Clinical Pathology, Coagulation, Internal Medicine. Monitors unfractionated heparin therapy in patients with heparin resistance or extreme body weight; therapeutic heparin levels prevent thrombosis without excessive bleeding.
When is CPT 85520 used?
Monitors unfractionated heparin therapy in patients with heparin resistance or extreme body weight; therapeutic heparin levels prevent thrombosis without excessive bleeding.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.