How To Use CPT Code 82271

CPT 82271 describes the qualitative detection of occult blood in nonfecal specimens using peroxidase activity. 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 82271?

CPT 82271 can be used to detect the presence or absence of occult blood in nonfecal specimens through peroxidase activity. This code is used for qualitative testing and does not provide a numerical value for the amount of blood present. Occult blood refers to small amounts of blood that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82271 is: ‘Blood, occult, by peroxidase activity (eg, guaiac), qualitative; other sources.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical steps to test for the presence or absence of occult blood in a nonfecal specimen.
2. The specimen can be from any source in the body, such as gastric lavage contents or esophageal swabs.
3. The lab analyst places the swabbed specimen on a card and tests for peroxidase activity to determine if microscopic blood is present.
4. This qualitative test shows whether blood is present or absent, but does not provide a numerical value.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82271 can be ordered by clinicians to test for the presence of occult blood in nonfecal specimens. While it is not limited to testing for a specific condition, it is commonly used to detect upper gastrointestinal bleeding caused by factors such as drug overdose, accidental or intentional poisoning, Barrett’s esophagus, and varices associated with liver disease.

5. When to use CPT code 82271

CPT code 82271 should be used when there is a need to qualitatively detect occult blood in nonfecal specimens using peroxidase activity. It is important to note that this code does not provide a numerical value for the amount of blood present. If a quantitative measurement is required, a different code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82271, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test and the specific nonfecal specimen being tested
• Details of the testing procedure, including the use of peroxidase activity
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the qualitative test, indicating the presence or absence of occult blood
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82271, ensure that the test is performed to detect occult blood in nonfecal specimens using peroxidase activity. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting this code and to consider any additional codes that may need to be reported in conjunction with CPT 82271. Modifier TC should be used by the facility, and modifier 26 should be used by the professional performing the test.

8. Historical information

CPT 82271 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2006. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performing a qualitative test for occult blood in a gastric lavage sample to detect upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
2. A clinician ordering a qualitative test for occult blood in an esophageal swab to investigate potential sources of bleeding.
3. A lab analyst using peroxidase activity to test for the presence of microscopic blood in a nonfecal specimen from a patient with suspected poisoning.
4. A clinician ordering a qualitative test for occult blood in a nonfecal specimen to assess for the presence of varices associated with liver disease.
5. A lab analyst performing a qualitative test for occult blood in a nonfecal specimen to investigate potential sources of bleeding in a patient with Barrett’s esophagus.
6. A clinician ordering a qualitative test for occult blood in a nonfecal specimen to assess for upper gastrointestinal bleeding caused by a drug overdose.
7. A lab analyst using peroxidase activity to test for the presence of microscopic blood in a nonfecal specimen from a patient with suspected upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
8. A clinician ordering a qualitative test for occult blood in a nonfecal specimen to investigate potential sources of bleeding in a patient with liver disease.
9. A lab analyst performing a qualitative test for occult blood in a nonfecal specimen to assess for the presence of varices in a patient with liver disease.
10. A clinician ordering a qualitative test for occult blood in a nonfecal specimen to investigate potential sources of bleeding in a patient with suspected upper gastrointestinal bleeding.