How To Use CPT Code 82247

CPT 82247 describes the measurement of total bilirubin in a patient’s blood. 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 82247?

CPT 82247 can be used to measure the amount of total bilirubin in a patient’s blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment found in the bile, which is produced by the liver. This code is used when a lab analyst performs a test to determine the concentration of bilirubin in a patient’s specimen, typically blood. The test may involve the use of colorimetric analysis, where a color reagent is added to the solution and the intensity of the color is measured to determine the concentration of bilirubin.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82247 is: ‘Bilirubin; total.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a specimen from the patient, typically blood.
2. The lab analyst performs a test to measure the amount of total bilirubin in the specimen.
3. If colorimetric analysis is used, the lab analyst adds a color reagent to the solution and measures the intensity of the color to determine the concentration of bilirubin.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82247 is typically ordered by a clinician when a patient exhibits symptoms of abnormal liver function. It is often performed along with other liver enzyme tests, such as alkaline phosphatase, aspartate amino transferase, or alanine amino transferase. This test is also commonly used for newborns with jaundice, a condition characterized by an increase in bilirubin levels in the blood, resulting in yellowing of the skin, eyes, and body fluids.

5. When to use CPT code 82247

CPT code 82247 should be used when a lab analyst performs a test to measure the amount of total bilirubin in a patient’s blood specimen. It is important to note that if the test is specifically for direct bilirubin, CPT code 82248 should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 82247, the following documentation should be included:

• Patient’s symptoms or indication for the test
• Details of the specimen collected (e.g., blood)
• Methodology used for the test (e.g., colorimetric analysis)
• Results of the test, including the concentration of total bilirubin
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 82247, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst and that the documentation requirements are met. It is important to note that some payers may separately reimburse for the collection of the specimen using a code such as 36415. Additionally, it is important to use CPT code 82248 if the test is specifically for direct bilirubin. Consider the location of the testing facility when coding for this test, as it may affect how the test is reported.

8. Historical information

CPT code 82247 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 measures the amount of total bilirubin in a patient’s blood specimen using colorimetric analysis.
2. A clinician orders a bilirubin test for a patient with symptoms of abnormal liver function, and a lab analyst performs the test to measure the concentration of total bilirubin in the patient’s blood.
3. A newborn with jaundice undergoes a bilirubin test to determine the level of bilirubin in their blood.
4. A lab analyst adds a color reagent to a patient’s blood specimen and measures the intensity of the resulting color to determine the concentration of total bilirubin.
5. A clinician orders a panel of liver enzyme tests, including a bilirubin test, to assess a patient’s liver function.
6. A lab analyst performs a test to measure the amount of total bilirubin in a patient’s blood using a methodology other than colorimetric analysis.
7. A patient with symptoms of jaundice undergoes a bilirubin test to determine the cause of their condition.
8. A lab analyst collects a blood specimen from a patient and performs a test to measure the concentration of total bilirubin.
9. A clinician orders a bilirubin test for a patient with suspected liver disease, and a lab analyst performs the test to assess the patient’s liver function.
10. A lab analyst measures the amount of total bilirubin in a patient’s blood specimen using a different methodology than colorimetric analysis.