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Official Description

Fibrin degradation products, D-dimer; ultrasensitive (eg, for evaluation for venous thromboembolism), qualitative or semiquantitative

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 85380 refers to the testing of fibrin degradation products, specifically the D-dimer, using an ultrasensitive method. This test is crucial in the evaluation of venous thromboembolism, which includes conditions such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The D-dimer test serves as a valuable diagnostic tool, particularly in ruling out the presence of a thrombus, which is a blood clot that can obstruct blood flow. A negative result from this test indicates that there are no elevated levels of fibrin degradation products in the specimen, suggesting that a thrombus is unlikely. Conversely, a positive result signifies an abnormally high level of these degradation products, which may suggest the presence of a thrombus. Additionally, D-dimer testing is utilized to assess hypercoagulability, a condition that increases the risk of blood clots, and to aid in the diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). This condition is characterized by the widespread activation of the clotting process in the blood vessels, leading to the formation of small blood clots throughout the body. The D-dimer test can also be instrumental in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment for DIC. It is important to note that there are different methodologies for D-dimer testing. The CPT® Code 85379 is used for quantitative testing, which provides a specific level of fibrin degradation products in the specimen. In contrast, CPT® Codes 85378 and 85380 are designated for qualitative and semiquantitative testing, respectively. Code 85380 specifically refers to ultrasensitive testing, which is designed to deliver rapid and highly accurate results due to its enhanced sensitivity compared to standard testing methods.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The D-dimer test, represented by CPT® Code 85380, is indicated for several clinical scenarios, particularly in the evaluation of thromboembolic conditions. The following are the primary indications for performing this test:

  • Evaluation for Venous Thromboembolism D-dimer testing is performed to help rule out the presence of a thrombus, which can lead to serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
  • Assessment of Hypercoagulability The test is utilized to evaluate patients who may have a predisposition to blood clots due to hypercoagulable states.
  • Diagnosis of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) D-dimer testing aids in diagnosing DIC, a serious condition characterized by the abnormal activation of the clotting cascade.
  • Monitoring Treatment Effectiveness for DIC The test can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment in patients diagnosed with DIC.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting the D-dimer test under CPT® Code 85380 involves several key steps, which are outlined below:

  • Sample Collection A blood sample is collected from the patient, typically via venipuncture. The sample is then processed to separate the plasma, which is necessary for the D-dimer analysis.
  • Testing Methodology The collected plasma is subjected to an ultrasensitive testing methodology designed to detect the presence of fibrin degradation products, specifically D-dimer. This method is characterized by its high sensitivity, allowing for the detection of even low levels of D-dimer in the specimen.
  • Result Interpretation The results of the D-dimer test are interpreted qualitatively or semiquantitatively. A negative result indicates that there are no elevated levels of fibrin degradation products, suggesting that a thrombus is unlikely. A positive result indicates an abnormally high level of D-dimer, which may warrant further investigation for thromboembolic conditions.

3. Post-Procedure

After the D-dimer test is completed, the patient may be advised to await the results, which are typically available within a short timeframe due to the rapid nature of the ultrasensitive testing method. Depending on the results, further diagnostic imaging or clinical evaluation may be necessary to confirm or rule out the presence of thromboembolic conditions. It is essential for healthcare providers to communicate the results to the patient and discuss any subsequent steps or treatments that may be required based on the findings of the D-dimer test.

Short Descr FIBRIN DEGRADJ D-DIMER
Medium Descr FIBRIN DGRADJ PRODUCTS D-DIMER ULTRASENSITIVE
Long Descr Fibrin degradation products, D-dimer; ultrasensitive (eg, for evaluation for venous thromboembolism), qualitative or semiquantitative
Status Code Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies)
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 9 - Not Applicable
Multiple Procedures (51) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Co-Surgeons (62) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Team Surgery (66) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
CLIA Waived (QW) No
APC Status Indicator Conditionally packaged laboratory tests
Type of Service (TOS) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 233 - Laboratory - Chemistry and Hematology
90 Reference (outside) laboratory: when laboratory procedures are performed by a party other than the treating or reporting physician or other qualified health care professional, the procedure may be identified by adding modifier 90 to the usual procedure number.
26 Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
PT Colorectal cancer screening test; converted to diagnostic test or other procedure
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Short Descriptor changed.
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2003-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2003.
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