How To Use CPT Code 82172

CPT 82172 describes the quantitative measurement of specific apolipoproteins in serum using the nephelometric technique. 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 82172?

CPT 82172 can be used to measure specific apolipoproteins in serum using the nephelometric technique. This code is used when the lab analyst performs a quantitative measurement of one or more of the specific apolipoproteins ordered by the clinician. The test helps detect rare familial alpha-lipoprotein deficiency, mutations associated with hypercholesterolemia, and individuals with the mutation for familial hyperlipoproteinemia.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82172 is: ‘Apolipoprotein, each.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs a quantitative measurement of specific apolipoproteins in serum using the nephelometric technique.
2. The measurement is based on the light scattering properties, which are recorded by a sensitive instrument.
3. The specific apolipoproteins tested include A-1, Apo-B, and Apo-E.
4. The test helps detect familial alpha-lipoprotein deficiency, mutations associated with hypercholesterolemia, and individuals with the mutation for familial hyperlipoproteinemia.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82172 is performed when the clinician orders a quantitative measurement of specific apolipoproteins in serum. The test is commonly used to detect rare familial alpha-lipoprotein deficiency, mutations associated with hypercholesterolemia, and individuals with the mutation for familial hyperlipoproteinemia. The specimen should be collected after the patient has fasted for at least 12 hours.

5. When to use CPT code 82172

CPT code 82172 should be used when the clinician orders a quantitative measurement of specific apolipoproteins in serum. It is appropriate to bill this code when the lab analyst performs the test using the nephelometric technique. This code should not be used for molecular diagnostics apolipoprotein tests that detect defective genes or mutations associated with coronary artery disease.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82172, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• The specific apolipoproteins tested
• The methodology used, such as the nephelometric technique
• Date of the test
• Units of measurement for each apolipoprotein

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82172, ensure that the test is performed using the nephelometric technique. Note the specific apolipoproteins tested and assign the proper units for each apolipoprotein. Do not report CPT 82172 for molecular diagnostics apolipoprotein tests. Consider the location of the testing when coding these tests.

8. Historical information

CPT 82172 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs a quantitative measurement of apolipoprotein A-I in serum using the nephelometric technique.
2. A clinician orders a quantitative measurement of apolipoprotein B to detect mutations associated with hypercholesterolemia.
3. A lab analyst performs a quantitative measurement of apolipoprotein E to detect individuals with the mutation for familial hyperlipoproteinemia.
4. A patient fasts for at least 12 hours before the lab analyst performs a quantitative measurement of specific apolipoproteins in serum.
5. A lab analyst records the light scattering properties of specific apolipoproteins using a sensitive instrument.
6. A clinician orders a quantitative measurement of specific apolipoproteins to assess the patient’s lipid profile.
7. A lab analyst performs a quantitative measurement of apolipoprotein A-I to detect a rare familial alpha-lipoprotein deficiency.
8. A clinician orders a quantitative measurement of apolipoprotein B to monitor the patient’s response to cholesterol-lowering medication.
9. A lab analyst performs a quantitative measurement of apolipoprotein E to identify individuals at risk for familial hyperlipoproteinemia.
10. A patient undergoes a quantitative measurement of specific apolipoproteins as part of a comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment.