How To Use CPT Code 82378

CPT code 82378 describes the analysis of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the blood or other bodily 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 82378?

CPT 82378 can be used to analyze the quantity of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the blood or other bodily fluid. This test is commonly ordered by clinicians to monitor patients with colon cancer or other types of cancer. It helps in determining the patient’s response to treatment and can also be used as a screening test to detect the recurrence of cancer.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82378 is: ‘Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA); quantitative.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical steps to analyze the quantity of CEA in the blood or bodily fluid.
2. A blood sample is collected from the patient, and fasting is not required for this test.
3. The laboratory uses a radioimmunoassay method, which involves tagging a gamma radioactive isotope to measure CEA precisely using a gamma counter.
4. The test provides a quantitative value of CEA in the specimen, which helps in monitoring patients with cancer and determining their response to treatment.
5. CEA can be measured in plasma or other body fluids, such as pleural fluid or peritoneal fluid, to assess the spread of cancer.
6. After completing cancer treatment, CEA can be used as a screening test to detect the recurrence of cancer.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82378 is typically ordered by clinicians to monitor patients with cancer, particularly colon cancer. It can also be used to monitor patients with other types of cancer. The test is performed by a lab analyst who follows the technical steps to detect and quantify CEA in the blood or bodily fluid. The test does not require fasting, and the specimen can be collected from plasma or other body fluids. CEA is considered a tumor marker and helps predict the presence of certain types of cancer.

5. When to use CPT code 82378

CPT code 82378 should be used when a clinician orders the quantitative analysis of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the blood or bodily fluid. It is appropriate for monitoring patients with cancer, including colon cancer, and assessing their response to treatment. The test can also be used as a screening tool for detecting the recurrence of cancer. However, it is not recommended as a general screening test for cancer due to factors that can cause falsely elevated levels, such as smoking.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 82378, the documentation should include:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the reason for ordering the CEA test
• Details of the specimen analyzed (blood, plasma, or other body fluid)
• Date and time of the test
• Quantitative value of CEA in the specimen
• Any additional relevant information, such as the patient’s response to treatment or the use of CEA as a screening test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 82378, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst following the technical steps to analyze CEA in the blood or bodily fluid. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT code 82378 with other codes. However, it is important to follow any applicable payer-specific guidelines and modifiers if required.

8. Historical information

CPT code 82378 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A clinician orders CPT code 82378 to monitor a patient with colon cancer and assess their response to treatment.
2. A lab analyst performs the quantitative analysis of CEA in the plasma of a patient with lung cancer to determine the spread of the disease.
3. CPT code 82378 is used to measure CEA in the peritoneal fluid of a patient with ovarian cancer to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
4. A clinician orders CPT code 82378 as a screening test to detect the recurrence of breast cancer in a patient who has completed treatment.
5. The lab analyst performs the quantitative analysis of CEA in the blood of a patient with pancreatic cancer to establish a baseline value for future monitoring.
6. CPT code 82378 is used to measure CEA in the pleural fluid of a patient with lung cancer to determine if the cancer has spread to the lungs.
7. A clinician orders CPT code 82378 to monitor a patient with colorectal cancer and assess the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
8. The lab analyst performs the quantitative analysis of CEA in the blood of a patient with liver cancer to track the progression of the disease.
9. CPT code 82378 is used to measure CEA in the plasma of a patient with gastric cancer to determine the response to targeted therapy.
10. A clinician orders CPT code 82378 as a screening test to detect the recurrence of prostate cancer in a patient who has completed radiation therapy.