How To Use CPT Code 82533

CPT 82533 describes the measurement of total cortisol in a patient specimen. 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 82533?

CPT 82533 can be used to measure the amount of total cortisol in a patient specimen. Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. This code is used when a lab analyst performs a test to determine the level of total cortisol in either serum or urine samples. The test measures both the protein-bound cortisol and the free cortisol present in the specimen.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82533 is: ‘Cortisol; total.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst receives a patient specimen, either serum or urine, for testing.
2. The analyst processes the specimen to extract the cortisol.
3. The cortisol level is measured using a methodology such as liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC MS), radioimmunoassay (RIA), competitive protein binding (CPB), or fluorescent assay.
4. The test measures both the protein-bound cortisol and the free cortisol in the specimen.
5. The lab analyst records the results of the test.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82533 is used when there is a need to measure the total cortisol level in a patient specimen. This test is commonly performed to assess glucose metabolism, regulate immune response, and diagnose conditions related to malfunctioning adrenal glands. It is also used to determine amniotic fluid levels during pregnancy and screen for hypercortisolism. Conditions such as Cushing syndrome and Addison’s disease can be indicated by abnormal cortisol levels.

5. When to use CPT code 82533

CPT code 82533 should be used when a lab analyst performs a test to measure the total cortisol level in a patient specimen. This code is appropriate when the test is specifically for total cortisol and not for free cortisol. If the provider is testing for free cortisol, a different code, such as CPT 82530, should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82533, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Type of specimen tested (serum or urine)
• Date and time of the test
• Methodology used for the test (LC MS, RIA, CPB, fluorescent assay)
• Results of the test, including the total cortisol level
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82533, ensure that the test is performed by a qualified lab analyst and that the total cortisol level is being measured. This code should not be reported if the test is for free cortisol. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding the appropriate use of this code and any modifiers that may be required.

8. Historical information

CPT 82533 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst measures the total cortisol level in a serum sample from a patient with suspected Cushing syndrome.
2. A lab analyst performs a test to measure the total cortisol level in a urine sample from a patient with symptoms of Addison’s disease.
3. A lab analyst uses liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry to measure the total cortisol level in a serum sample from a pregnant patient for amniotic fluid assessment.
4. A lab analyst measures the total cortisol level in a urine sample from a patient as a screening test for hypercortisolism.
5. A lab analyst performs a test to measure the total cortisol level in a serum sample from a patient with suspected malfunctioning adrenal glands.
6. A lab analyst measures the total cortisol level in a urine sample from a patient with symptoms of pseudoaldosteronism.
7. A lab analyst uses radioimmunoassay to measure the total cortisol level in a serum sample from a patient with abnormal glucose metabolism.
8. A lab analyst performs a test to measure the total cortisol level in a urine sample from a patient with immune response regulation issues.
9. A lab analyst measures the total cortisol level in a serum sample from a patient with obesity and high blood pressure, indicating possible Cushing syndrome.
10. A lab analyst performs a test to measure the total cortisol level in a urine sample from a patient with hypertension and low or normal aldosterone levels, suggesting pseudoaldosteronism.