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Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), Intact, plays a crucial role in maintaining a delicate balance in our body’s calcium and phosphorus levels, directly impacting bone health. This hormone, produced by the parathyroid glands located behind the thyroid gland in the neck, regulates calcium levels in the blood by influencing bone remodeling, the process where old bone tissue is replaced by new.
When calcium levels drop, PTH is secreted, increasing calcium absorption in the intestines, reducing its excretion by the kidneys, and stimulating the release of calcium from bones. This function is vital as calcium is essential for many bodily functions, including nerve signaling, muscle contraction, and blood clotting.
An intact PTH test, a common blood test, measures the level of this hormone in the blood. It’s an essential diagnostic tool, particularly for conditions like hyperparathyroidism, where the parathyroid glands produce too much PTH, or hypoparathyroidism, where they produce too little. Understanding PTH levels can help in diagnosing and managing various conditions related to bone density, kidney stones, and the body’s overall calcium levels. This information is crucial for anyone seeking to maintain optimal bone health and prevent related diseases.
Low levels of Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) can lead to a condition called hypoparathyroidism. This typically happens when the parathyroid glands do not produce enough PTH, affecting the balance of calcium and phosphorus in the body. Common causes include accidental damage or removal of the parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery, autoimmune diseases, or a genetic component. Symptoms of low PTH include muscle cramps or spasms, tingling in the fingertips, toes, and lips, and general fatigue. These symptoms are mainly due to low calcium levels in the blood. Treatment focuses on maintaining normal calcium and phosphorus levels, often involving calcium and vitamin D supplements to compensate for the reduced PTH. In some cases, hormone replacement therapy might be recommended. Regular monitoring and consultation with a healthcare provider are crucial for managing this condition effectively.
Statement on Medical Necessity
All ordered tests should be medically necessary for the diagnosis or detection of disease, illness, impairment, symptom, syndrome, or disorder and the results should be used in the medical management and treatment decisions for the patient. Solaris requires ICD-10 codes with each order for lab testing and both the tests ordered and the diagnosis should be documented in the provider’s medical record for the patient. The United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, takes the position that a provider who orders medically unnecessary tests may be subject to civil penalties.
Panels and Profiles
Solaris offers Providers the convenience of ordering test combinations in a group at times with the flexibility to choose appropriate test(s) for individual patients. Providers should only order those tests that he or she believes are medically necessary for each patient, and a lesser inclusive profile or individual tests should be ordered if not all tests in the test combination/profile are medically necessary. All tests offered in a test combination/profile may be ordered separately as individual tests. Solaris encourages clients to contact their Solaris representative if the testing configurations shown do not meet individual needs for any reason, or if some other combination of procedures is needed.
CPT Codes
CPT Codes listed are in accordance with Current Procedural Terminology, a publication of the American Medical Association. CPT codes are the responsibility of the billing party and are listed here for informational purposes. Correct coding may vary from one carrier to another. Solaris may bill specific carriers using codes other than what is shown.
For questions or inquiries related to testing please reach out to
customerservice@solarisdx.com or contact us by phone at (844) 550-0308.
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