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The CPT® Code 85384 refers to a laboratory test that measures fibrinogen activity, which is a critical component in the blood coagulation process. Fibrinogen, also known as factor I, is a protein synthesized by the liver and plays a vital role in the formation of blood clots. During the clotting cascade, fibrinogen is converted from its soluble form into insoluble fibrin threads, which are essential for stabilizing the site of injury and halting bleeding. The fibrinogen activity test specifically evaluates the functionality of the fibrinogen present in the bloodstream, providing insights into the body's ability to form clots effectively. This test is often performed in conjunction with the fibrinogen antigen test (CPT® Code 85385), which quantifies the actual levels of fibrinogen circulating in the blood. Together, these tests are instrumental in diagnosing and monitoring conditions related to abnormal bleeding or thrombotic events. They are particularly useful in cases where patients exhibit unusual bleeding patterns, have abnormal results in bleeding time tests such as prothrombin time (PT) or activated partial thromboplastin time (PTT), or possess a family history of hereditary fibrinogen deficiencies. Additionally, these tests may be utilized to evaluate an individual's risk for developing cardiovascular diseases. The procedure involves obtaining a blood sample through venipuncture, which is reported separately, and the analysis is conducted on platelet-poor plasma using electromagnetic mechanical clot detection methods.
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The fibrinogen activity test (CPT® Code 85384) is indicated for several clinical scenarios, particularly when there are concerns regarding blood coagulation and clot formation. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this test:
The procedure for conducting the fibrinogen activity test involves several key steps to ensure accurate measurement of fibrinogen functionality. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the fibrinogen activity test is completed, there are generally no specific post-procedure care requirements for the patient. However, it is advisable for the patient to monitor the venipuncture site for any signs of excessive bleeding or infection. The healthcare provider will discuss the results with the patient, including any necessary follow-up actions based on the findings. If the test indicates abnormal fibrinogen activity, further diagnostic testing or treatment may be recommended to address any underlying conditions.
| Short Descr | FIBRINOGEN ACTIVITY | Medium Descr | FIBRINOGEN ACTIVITY | Long Descr | Fibrinogen; activity | 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 | 2 | 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. | 91 | Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient. | Q4 | Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption | 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. | GY | Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | 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. | 77 | Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Short Descriptor changed. |
| 1993-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1993. |
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