How To Use CPT Code 82397

CPT 82397 describes the chemiluminescent assay, a laboratory test used to analyze a specimen by mixing chemicals with the specimen, causing the analyte to become luminescent. 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 82397?

CPT 82397 is a code used to describe the chemiluminescent assay, a laboratory test that involves mixing chemicals with a specimen to make the analyte glow. This test is performed by a lab analyst to measure and quantify the analyte in the specimen.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82397 is: ‘Chemiluminescent assay, a laboratory test to find or measure the quantity of an analyte or to find or measure some property of the analyte, such as functional activity.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical steps of the chemiluminescent assay, including mixing the patient’s specimen with chemicals.
2. The resulting reaction causes some substances in the specimen to produce light.
3. The lab analyst measures and quantifies the analyte on a special machine.

4. Qualifying circumstances

The chemiluminescent assay can be used for a wide variety of substances and is not limited to testing for a specific condition. It is a highly sensitive test that can be used by lab analysts to measure and quantify analytes in a specimen.

5. When to use CPT code 82397

CPT code 82397 should be used when performing a chemiluminescent assay to find or measure the quantity of an analyte or to find or measure some property of the analyte, such as functional activity. This code is appropriate when the test is performed by a lab analyst and the results are used for diagnostic or monitoring purposes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 82397, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• The specific analyte being tested
• The date and time of the test
• The patient’s information and any relevant clinical details
• The results of the chemiluminescent assay
• The signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 82397, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst and that the results are used for diagnostic or monitoring purposes. It is important to follow any specific guidelines provided by payers regarding the use of this code. Additionally, consider reporting any separate codes for specimen collection if required by the payer.

8. Historical information

CPT code 82397 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 performs a chemiluminescent assay to measure the level of a specific hormone in a patient’s blood sample.
2. Using the chemiluminescent assay, a lab analyst quantifies the presence of a specific virus in a patient’s saliva sample.
3. A chemiluminescent assay is performed by a lab analyst to measure the functional activity of a specific enzyme in a patient’s urine sample.
4. Using the chemiluminescent assay, a lab analyst determines the level of a specific antibody in a patient’s serum sample.
5. A lab analyst performs a chemiluminescent assay to measure the concentration of a specific drug in a patient’s plasma sample.
6. Using the chemiluminescent assay, a lab analyst quantifies the presence of a specific protein in a patient’s cerebrospinal fluid sample.
7. A chemiluminescent assay is performed by a lab analyst to measure the functional activity of a specific receptor in a patient’s tissue sample.
8. Using the chemiluminescent assay, a lab analyst determines the level of a specific biomarker in a patient’s synovial fluid sample.
9. A lab analyst performs a chemiluminescent assay to measure the concentration of a specific metabolite in a patient’s urine sample.
10. Using the chemiluminescent assay, a lab analyst quantifies the presence of a specific antigen in a patient’s tissue sample.