How To Use CPT Code 82127

CPT 82127 describes the qualitative analysis of a single amino acid in a specimen, such as blood, plasma, urine, amniotic fluid, or cerebrospinal fluid. 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 82127?

CPT 82127 can be used to describe the qualitative analysis of a single amino acid in a specimen. This code is used when a lab analyst determines the presence of a specific amino acid associated with an inborn error of metabolism. The analysis is usually performed using chromatography, such as gas-liquid, paper, thin-layer, or ion exchange chromatography.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82127 is: ‘Amino acids; single, qualitative, each specimen.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a specimen, such as blood, plasma, urine, amniotic fluid, or cerebrospinal fluid.
2. The specimen is prepared for analysis, which may involve extraction or dilution.
3. The lab analyst performs qualitative analysis using chromatography, such as gas-liquid, paper, thin-layer, or ion exchange chromatography.
4. The presence of a specific amino acid associated with an inborn error of metabolism is determined.
5. The results of the analysis are recorded and reported.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82127 is used when a lab analyst performs qualitative analysis of a single amino acid in a specimen. This analysis is typically done to identify the presence of an amino acid associated with an inborn error of metabolism. The specimen can be blood, plasma, urine, amniotic fluid, or cerebrospinal fluid.

5. When to use CPT code 82127

CPT code 82127 should be used when a lab analyst performs qualitative analysis of a single amino acid in a specimen. This code is appropriate when the analysis is focused on identifying the presence of a specific amino acid associated with an inborn error of metabolism. If the analysis involves multiple amino acids, CPT code 82128 should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82127, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• The specimen type (blood, plasma, urine, amniotic fluid, or cerebrospinal fluid)
• The specific amino acid being analyzed
• The method of analysis used (chromatography type)
• The presence or absence of the amino acid associated with an inborn error of metabolism
• The date and time of the analysis
• The signature of the lab analyst performing the analysis

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82127, ensure that the analysis is performed for a single amino acid in a specimen. This code should not be reported if the analysis involves multiple amino acids. If quantitative analysis is performed, different codes should be used depending on the number of amino acids tested. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer and to include all necessary documentation to support the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 82127 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1999. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs qualitative analysis of a single amino acid in a blood specimen to identify the presence of an amino acid associated with an inborn error of metabolism.
2. Using gas-liquid chromatography, a lab analyst determines the qualitative presence of a specific amino acid in a urine specimen to aid in the diagnosis of a metabolic disorder.
3. During a qualitative analysis of a single amino acid in a plasma specimen, a lab analyst identifies the absence of an amino acid associated with an inborn error of metabolism.
4. Using thin-layer chromatography, a lab analyst performs qualitative analysis of a single amino acid in an amniotic fluid specimen to assess the risk of a genetic disorder in a developing fetus.
5. A lab analyst performs qualitative analysis of a single amino acid in a cerebrospinal fluid specimen to aid in the diagnosis of a neurological condition.