How To Use CPT Code 82671

CPT 82671 describes the fractionation and quantitation of estrogens, primarily estradiol and estrone, in serum or urine. 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 82671?

CPT 82671 can be used to describe the measurement of estrogen fractions, specifically estradiol and estrone, in serum or urine. This code is used when a lab analyst quantitates the levels of these estrogen fractions using liquid mass spectroscopy. Estrogens are the major sex hormones in females and are primarily produced in the ovaries.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82671 is: ‘Estrogens; fractionated.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst measures the fractions of estrogen, primarily estradiol and estrone, in serum or urine.
2. The analysis is typically performed using liquid mass spectroscopy, where electrons bombard atoms or molecules from the sample.
3. The instrument subjects the electrons to an electric or magnetic field and identifies the resulting hormones by their masses or characteristic fragmentation patterns.
4. The lab analyst quantitates the levels of estradiol and estrone, providing information on the patient’s estrogen levels.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82671 is used when there is a need to assess the levels of estrogen fractions, specifically estradiol and estrone, in serum or urine. This test is commonly used in the clinical assessment of sex steroid and hormone replacement therapy, determining follicle development for in-vitro fertilization in women, and assessing male feminization, including gynecomastia.

5. When to use CPT code 82671

CPT code 82671 should be used when there is a specific need to measure the levels of estrogen fractions, primarily estradiol and estrone, in serum or urine. It is important to ensure that the test is necessary for the clinical assessment or management of the patient’s condition.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82671, the documentation should include:

• Indication for the test and the clinical need for measuring estrogen fractions
• Methodology used, such as liquid mass spectroscopy
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the estrogen fractionation and quantitation
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82671, ensure that the test is performed by a qualified lab analyst using the appropriate methodology. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding documentation and coding requirements. CPT 82671 should not be reported with other codes for individual orders of estrogen fractions, such as CPT 82670 for estradiol, CPT 82677 for estriol, and CPT 82679 for estrone. For the quantitation of total estrogens, CPT 82672 should be used.

8. Historical information

CPT 82671 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performing the fractionation and quantitation of estradiol and estrone in serum for a patient undergoing hormone replacement therapy.
2. A clinician ordering the measurement of estrogen fractions in urine to assess follicle development for in-vitro fertilization in a woman.
3. A lab analyst quantitating the levels of estradiol and estrone in serum to evaluate gynecomastia in a male patient.
4. A clinician requesting the measurement of estrogen fractions in serum to assess the effectiveness of hormone therapy in a transgender individual.
5. A lab analyst performing the fractionation and quantitation of estradiol and estrone in urine to evaluate the hormonal status of a patient with suspected endocrine disorders.
6. A clinician ordering the measurement of estrogen fractions in serum to assess the hormonal imbalance in a patient with menstrual irregularities.
7. A lab analyst quantitating the levels of estradiol and estrone in urine to evaluate the hormonal status of a patient with symptoms of menopause.
8. A clinician requesting the measurement of estrogen fractions in serum to assess the hormonal status of a patient with symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome.
9. A lab analyst performing the fractionation and quantitation of estradiol and estrone in urine to evaluate the hormonal status of a patient with suspected estrogen excess.
10. A clinician ordering the measurement of estrogen fractions in serum to assess the hormonal status of a patient with symptoms of estrogen deficiency.