Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

Question:  What is the purpose of the new lab test for small dense LDL cholesterol?

Ohio Subscriber

Answer: Code 83722 (Lipoprotein, direct measurement; small dense LDL cholesterol) is a new CPT^® 2019 code in the lab section.

Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol is known as “bad” cholesterol, according Carol Hodge, CPC, CDEO, CCC, CEMC, certified medical coder at St. Joseph’s Cardiology in Savannah, Georgia. New studies are showing that it isn’t only the quantity of LDL in your blood, but also the quality, that is harmful.

“Small dense LDL (sdLDL) is a type of LDL that is smaller and heavier than typical LDL. It is small enough to penetrate the wall of the arteries, is more-easily oxidized, and stays in the blood stream longer,” Hodge adds. There are multiple risk factors for sdLDL such as uncontrolled diabetes, a diet high in trans fat, and a high carbohydrate diet — especially high in refined sugars. Elevated sdLDL may also be hereditary.