How To Use CPT Code 82272

CPT 82272 describes the qualitative fecal occult blood test performed using peroxidase activity method. 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 82272?

CPT 82272 is used to describe a qualitative fecal occult blood test that is performed to detect the presence of hidden blood in a fecal specimen. This test is conducted using the peroxidase activity method, which involves the use of a reagent containing hydrogen peroxide to determine if blood is present in the stool. It is important to note that this test is not used for colorectal neoplasm screening.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82272 is: ‘Blood, occult, by peroxidase activity (eg, guaiac), qualitative, feces, 1-3 simultaneous determinations, performed for other than colorectal neoplasm screening.’

3. Procedure

1. The clinician acquires a fecal specimen from the patient through a method such as a digital rectal exam or provides the patient with a triple card or three separate cards for a stool sample smear from three consecutive bowel movements.
2. The patient submits the cards or the clinician provides a single smear to the laboratory.
3. The lab analyst applies a reagent containing hydrogen peroxide to the smear made on the card.
4. If the smear rapidly changes to an intense blue color, it indicates the presence of blood in the stool, resulting in a positive result.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82272 is typically ordered by clinicians when a patient exhibits symptoms such as abdominal pain or dark stool. It is used to help diagnose or rule out conditions such as bleeding ulcers. This test is not intended for colorectal cancer screening.

5. When to use CPT code 82272

CPT code 82272 should be used when a clinician performs a qualitative fecal occult blood test using the peroxidase activity method. It is important to distinguish this code from a test for colorectal cancer screening, which uses three consecutive fecal smears and peroxidase methodology (CPT code 82270). Additionally, it should be differentiated from an immunoassay-based fecal occult blood test (CPT code 82274) and an occult blood peroxidase test from a nonfecal specimen (CPT code 82271).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 82272, the clinician must document the following information:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as symptoms or suspected conditions
• Method used to acquire the fecal specimen
• Date of the test
• Results of the test, including whether it was positive or negative
• Signature of the clinician ordering the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 82272, ensure that the test is performed using the peroxidase activity method for qualitative fecal occult blood testing. It is important to distinguish this code from other codes used for colorectal cancer screening or different testing methods. Report CPT code 82272 only for diagnostic purposes and not for colorectal neoplasm screening.

8. Historical information

CPT code 82272 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2006. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A clinician orders a qualitative fecal occult blood test using the peroxidase activity method for a patient experiencing unexplained abdominal pain.
2. A patient presents with dark stool, and the clinician performs a qualitative fecal occult blood test using the peroxidase activity method to rule out bleeding ulcers.
3. A clinician orders a qualitative fecal occult blood test using the peroxidase activity method for a patient with gastrointestinal symptoms.
4. A patient with a family history of gastrointestinal conditions undergoes a qualitative fecal occult blood test using the peroxidase activity method for early detection.
5. A clinician performs a qualitative fecal occult blood test using the peroxidase activity method as part of a comprehensive diagnostic workup for a patient with suspected gastrointestinal bleeding.
6. A patient with a history of gastrointestinal conditions undergoes regular qualitative fecal occult blood tests using the peroxidase activity method for ongoing monitoring.
7. A clinician orders a qualitative fecal occult blood test using the peroxidase activity method for a patient with unexplained anemia.
8. A patient with a history of gastrointestinal polyps undergoes a qualitative fecal occult blood test using the peroxidase activity method for surveillance purposes.
9. A clinician performs a qualitative fecal occult blood test using the peroxidase activity method for a patient with a positive family history of colorectal cancer.
10. A patient with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms undergoes a qualitative fecal occult blood test using the peroxidase activity method to aid in the diagnosis of their condition.