How To Use CPT Code 82105

CPT 82105 describes the measurement of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the serum. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 82105?

CPT 82105 can be used to measure the level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the serum. AFP is a glycoprotein that is produced during fetal development and can also be produced by certain tumors later in life.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82105 is: ‘Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP); serum.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst uses an immunoassay method to measure the level of AFP in the serum.
2. The immunoassay method involves an antigen-antibody reaction to quantitate the amount of AFP present.
3. The test is generally ordered for maternal screening for certain fetal abnormalities, as well as for the determination of embryonal carcinomas, hepatocellular disease, and other malignancies.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82105 is used when there is a need to measure the level of AFP in the serum. This may be for maternal screening purposes or for the diagnosis and monitoring of certain diseases and conditions, such as embryonal carcinomas and hepatocellular disease.

5. When to use CPT code 82105

CPT code 82105 should be used when there is a need to measure the level of AFP in the serum. It is important to select the correct code based on the source of the specimen submitted for testing and whether the test is qualitative or quantitative.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82105, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as maternal screening or diagnosis of a specific condition
• Type of specimen submitted for testing (serum)
• Date of the test
• Results of the test, including the quantitative level of AFP
• Signature of the healthcare professional ordering the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82105, ensure that the test is performed on serum and that the appropriate documentation is provided. It is important to select the correct code based on the source of the specimen submitted for testing and whether the test is qualitative or quantitative. Take care to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer.

8. Historical information

CPT 82105 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. There was a code change on January 1, 2007, which resulted in the current description of the code.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare professional orders a test to measure the level of AFP in the serum of a pregnant woman for maternal screening purposes.
2. A patient with a suspected liver tumor undergoes a test to measure the level of AFP in their serum to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of the condition.
3. A healthcare professional orders a test to measure the level of AFP in the serum of a patient with a history of embryonal carcinoma to monitor their response to treatment.
4. A pregnant woman undergoes a test to measure the level of AFP in her serum as part of a multiple marker screening for fetal abnormalities.
5. A patient with suspected hepatocellular disease undergoes a test to measure the level of AFP in their serum to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of the condition.
6. A healthcare professional orders a test to measure the level of AFP in the serum of a patient with a suspected germ cell tumor to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of the condition.
7. A pregnant woman undergoes a test to measure the level of AFP in her serum as part of a multiple marker screening, along with ultrasound, to assess the risk of fetal abnormalities.
8. A patient with a history of hepatocellular carcinoma undergoes a test to measure the level of AFP in their serum to monitor for recurrence of the disease.
9. A healthcare professional orders a test to measure the level of AFP in the serum of a patient with suspected liver metastases to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of the condition.
10. A pregnant woman undergoes a test to measure the level of AFP in her serum as part of a multiple marker screening, along with ultrasound and fetal echocardiography, to assess the risk of fetal abnormalities.