Summary & Overview
CPT 85612: Russell’s Viper Venom Clotting Time Test
CPT code 85612 denotes a specialized laboratory coagulation assay that measures the time to clot formation after addition of undiluted Russell’s viper venom. The test is used to evaluate specific clotting pathway function and can be clinically important for diagnosing and characterizing coagulation disorders and venom-related coagulopathies. Nationally, such specialized assays are relevant for tertiary hospitals, reference laboratories, and specialty hematology services.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of the clinical purpose of the test, typical sites of service, and the payer landscape addressed. The publication summarizes billing context, common modifiers associated with laboratory services, and what is known about coverage patterns. It highlights where data is available and notes when input details are not provided.
This piece is intended for clinicians, laboratory administrators, and billing professionals who require a concise reference to CPT code 85612, its clinical role, and the national payer context. Data not available in the input is explicitly noted where relevant.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 85612 describes a laboratory test that measures the time it takes for blood to clot after adding undiluted venom of a Russell’s viper. This is a specialized coagulation assay used to assess specific clotting pathway function, typically performed by a clinical laboratory analyst.
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Service type: Specialized laboratory coagulation test
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Typical site of service: Hospital or independent clinical laboratory performing specialized hematology/coagulation assays
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is a person presenting to an emergency department, urgent care center, or inpatient unit after a snakebite with suspected envenomation by a viper species (clinical suspicion for coagulopathy). The clinician orders diagnostic coagulation testing, including the venom-induced clotting time using Russell’s viper venom (CPT 85612), to assess factor V/VIII-related coagulopathy and to guide antivenom therapy. A nurse or phlebotomist obtains a blood specimen in a sodium citrate tube and delivers it to the hospital laboratory. A medical laboratory scientist performs the assay by adding undiluted Russell’s viper venom to the patient plasma and measures the time to clot formation. Results are reported in minutes and interpreted alongside basic coagulation studies (PT/INR, aPTT, fibrinogen) and clinical findings (bleeding, ecchymoses, hypotension). Typical sites of service include hospital inpatient laboratories, emergency department-associated labs, and reference/toxicology laboratories. Turnaround is often urgent — stat or expedited testing — when antivenom administration decisions depend on the result. Documentation includes specimen source, date/time of collection, test performed (CPT 85612), result with units, and the ordering clinician’s indication (suspected viper envenomation, coagulopathy monitoring).
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 |