How To Use CPT Code 82679

CPT 82679 describes the measurement of estrone levels in both male and female patients. 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 82679?

CPT 82679 is used to measure the levels of estrone, a moderately potent sex hormone, in both male and female patients. This test is primarily performed to determine the estrone levels in women after menopause, but it can also be used to investigate suspected cancer in the ovaries, testicles, or adrenals in both men and women.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82679 is: ‘Measurement of estrone.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a sample, either serum or urine, from the patient.
2. The sample is then analyzed using a method such as radioimmunoassay, which involves using a gamma-radioactive tagged isotope and a gamma counter to measure the estrone levels accurately.
3. The lab analyst quantitates the estrone level and provides the results to the ordering provider.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82679 is typically ordered for women who have gone through menopause to determine their estrone levels. It is also ordered when there is a suspicion of cancer in the ovaries, testicles, or adrenals in both men and women. The test can be performed on both serum and urine samples.

5. When to use CPT code 82679

CPT code 82679 should be used when there is a clinical need to measure the estrone levels in a patient. It is appropriate for women after menopause and for individuals suspected of having cancer in the ovaries, testicles, or adrenals. This code should not be used for other estrogen fractions, such as estradiol or estriol.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82679, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as menopause or suspicion of cancer
• Type of sample collected (serum or urine)
• Date of the test
• Results of the estrone measurement
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82679, ensure that the test is performed to measure estrone levels. It should not be reported with other estrogen fractions, such as estradiol or estriol. There are no specific modifiers or additional guidelines for billing this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 82679 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 postmenopausal woman undergoes a test to measure her estrone levels to monitor her hormone levels.
2. A male patient with suspected testicular cancer undergoes a test to measure his estrone levels as part of the diagnostic process.
3. A female patient with suspected ovarian cancer undergoes a test to measure her estrone levels to aid in the diagnosis.
4. A postmenopausal woman with symptoms of hormonal imbalance undergoes a test to measure her estrone levels to determine the cause of her symptoms.
5. A male patient with suspected adrenal cancer undergoes a test to measure his estrone levels as part of the diagnostic workup.
6. A female patient with a family history of breast cancer undergoes a test to measure her estrone levels as a preventive measure.
7. A postmenopausal woman with osteoporosis undergoes a test to measure her estrone levels to assess her bone health.
8. A male patient with gynecomastia undergoes a test to measure his estrone levels to investigate the underlying cause of his condition.
9. A female patient with irregular menstrual cycles undergoes a test to measure her estrone levels to evaluate her hormonal status.
10. A male patient with symptoms of feminization undergoes a test to measure his estrone levels to determine the cause of his symptoms.