How To Use CPT Code 82387

CPT 82387 describes the measurement of cathepsin-D, an estrogen-regulated lysosomal protease found within the cells of cancerous tissue. 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 82387?

CPT 82387 can be used to measure the level of cathepsin-D, an estrogen-regulated lysosomal protease found within the cells of cancerous tissue. This test provides prognostic information on breast and other types of cancers, helping providers determine the severity and potential reoccurrence of malignancies.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82387 is: ‘Measurement of cathepsin-D, an estrogen-regulated lysosomal protease, in cell lysates from tissue derived from tumors.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects cell lysates from tissue derived from tumors.
2. The level of cathepsin-D is measured using enzymatic immunoassay, which accurately determines the amount of cathepsin-D present through an antigen-antibody reaction.
3. The test provides information on the prognostic value of cathepsin-D in breast and other types of cancers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82387 is performed on cell lysates from tissue derived from tumors. It is ordered by providers to determine prognostic information on breast and other types of cancers. The test measures the level of cathepsin-D, an estrogen-regulated lysosomal protease found within the cells of cancerous tissue.

5. When to use CPT code 82387

CPT code 82387 should be used when there is a need to measure the level of cathepsin-D in cell lysates from tissue derived from tumors. It is appropriate for cases where providers require prognostic information on breast and other types of cancers.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82387, the following documentation is required:

• Indication for the test, including the need for prognostic information on breast or other types of cancers
• Details of the tissue source and the method used to collect cell lysates
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the cathepsin-D measurement
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82387, ensure that the test is performed on cell lysates from tissue derived from tumors. It is important to accurately document the indication for the test and the results obtained. Medicare does not cover tests for research use only, so it is essential to ensure that the test is medically necessary and not solely for research purposes.

8. Historical information

CPT 82387 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst measures the level of cathepsin-D in cell lysates from breast tumor tissue to determine the prognosis of the cancer.
2. A pathologist performs the test on cell lysates from lung tumor tissue to assess the potential reoccurrence of malignancies.
3. A oncologist orders the test on cell lysates from ovarian tumor tissue to evaluate the severity of the cancer.
4. A surgeon collects cell lysates from colon tumor tissue and sends them to the lab for measurement of cathepsin-D to aid in treatment planning.
5. A researcher conducts the test on cell lysates from pancreatic tumor tissue to investigate the role of cathepsin-D in cancer progression.
6. A gynecologist utilizes the test on cell lysates from cervical tumor tissue to determine the prognosis of the cancer.
7. A hematologist measures the level of cathepsin-D in cell lysates from lymphoma tissue to assess the aggressiveness of the cancer.
8. A urologist orders the test on cell lysates from prostate tumor tissue to evaluate the potential reoccurrence of malignancies.
9. A dermatologist performs the test on cell lysates from skin tumor tissue to aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of the cancer.
10. A radiologist collects cell lysates from brain tumor tissue and sends them to the lab for measurement of cathepsin-D to assist in treatment planning.