How To Use CPT Code 82705

CPT 82705 describes the qualitative analysis of fat or lipids in feces. 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 82705?

CPT 82705 can be used to describe the analysis of fat or lipids in feces. This code is used when a lab analyst performs a microscopic study on a random stool specimen to determine the presence of steatorrhea, which is an increased level of fat in the stool. The analyst mixes the fecal material with water, adds Sudan III stain, and observes microscopically to determine the amount of neutral fat or fatty acids present. The observation of fat globules and their size is reported as a semiquantitative analysis, which may be reported using a scale from zero to 4-plus.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82705 is: ‘Fat or lipids, feces; qualitative.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst receives a stool specimen for analysis.
2. The analyst mixes the fecal material with water.
3. Sudan III stain is added to the mixture.
4. The analyst observes the mixture microscopically to determine the presence of fat globules and their size.
5. The amount of fat in the stool is reported as a semiquantitative analysis, using a scale from zero to 4-plus.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82705 is ordered by clinicians to determine the presence of an abnormal amount of fecal fat, which is an indication of malabsorption or maldigestion, and also celiac disease. The test is performed on patients who may have symptoms such as steatorrhea or other signs of fat malabsorption. The patient should receive instructions on how to collect the sample and how to prevent contamination to ensure a valid specimen. Additionally, the patient should consume an adequate intake of fat for at least 3-5 days prior to the collection.

5. When to use CPT code 82705

CPT code 82705 should be used when a qualitative analysis of fat or lipids in feces is performed. It is appropriate to bill this code when a lab analyst performs the microscopic study to determine the presence of steatorrhea. This code should not be used for quantitative fecal fats or other types of fat testing.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82705, the following documentation is required:

• Indication for the test, such as symptoms of steatorrhea or other signs of fat malabsorption
• Instructions provided to the patient for sample collection and prevention of contamination
• Date and time of the analysis
• Observations made during the microscopic study, including the presence of fat globules and their size
• Semiquantitative analysis of the amount of fat in the stool, reported using a scale from zero to 4-plus

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82705, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst and that the qualitative analysis of fat or lipids in feces is documented. This code should not be reported with other codes for quantitative fecal fats or other types of fat testing. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer for accurate and appropriate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 82705 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 performs a qualitative analysis of fat in the stool of a patient with suspected malabsorption.
2. A clinician orders a stool test to determine the presence of steatorrhea in a patient with symptoms of fat malabsorption.
3. A patient with celiac disease undergoes a stool analysis to assess the level of fat in their feces.
4. A lab technician performs a microscopic study on a stool specimen to determine the amount of fat globules present in a patient with suspected maldigestion.
5. A qualitative analysis of fat in feces is performed on a patient with symptoms of steatorrhea to aid in the diagnosis of a potential malabsorption disorder.
6. A clinician orders a stool test to assess the presence of fat malabsorption in a patient with gastrointestinal symptoms.
7. A lab analyst performs a qualitative analysis of fat in the stool of a patient with suspected fat malabsorption due to pancreatic insufficiency.
8. A stool specimen is analyzed to determine the presence of steatorrhea in a patient with symptoms of fat malabsorption.
9. A patient with suspected malabsorption undergoes a stool analysis to assess the level of fat in their feces.
10. A lab technician performs a microscopic study on a stool specimen to determine the amount of fat globules present in a patient with gastrointestinal symptoms.