How To Use CPT Code 82777

CPT 82777 describes the measurement of galectin-3 in a serum or plasma sample. 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 82777?

CPT 82777 can be used to measure the level of galectin-3 in a serum or plasma sample. Galectin-3 is a beta-galactoside-binding lectin that is associated with macrophages and other inflammatory white blood cells. This test is commonly ordered by clinicians to aid in determining the prognosis of heart failure patients, as well as to stratify risk and indicate treatment failure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82777 is: ‘Measurement of galectin-3 in serum or plasma.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a serum or plasma sample from the patient.
2. The lab analyst performs a quantitation of galectin-3 in the sample using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
3. The ELISA method involves the binding of an antibody or antigen to a stable support, such as a plastic surface or a latex particle.
4. The lab analyst measures the level of galectin-3 in the sample using an enzyme linked to a specific protein as a marker.
5. The galectin-3 level is quantitated, providing information on the patient’s condition and prognosis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82777 is typically ordered by clinicians to aid in the treatment and management of patients with heart failure. It is not limited to testing for a specific condition, but galectin-3 levels are associated with tissue repair, cardiac remodeling, and heart failure monitoring. The test is performed on a serum or plasma sample, and the results help clinicians determine the prognosis of heart failure patients, stratify risk, and indicate treatment failure.

5. When to use CPT code 82777

CPT code 82777 should be used when measuring the level of galectin-3 in a serum or plasma sample. It is appropriate to bill this code when the test is ordered by a clinician to aid in the treatment and management of patients with heart failure or to assess the prognosis and risk stratification of heart failure patients.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82777, the documentation should include:

• Patient information
• Date of the test
• Methodology used for the galectin-3 measurement
• Results of the galectin-3 measurement
• Interpretation of the results and their significance in the patient’s condition
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82777, ensure that the test is performed on a serum or plasma sample to measure the level of galectin-3. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding the documentation and coding requirements for this test. Some payers may also separately reimburse for the collection of the specimen using a venipuncture code, such as 36415.

8. Historical information

CPT 82777 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2013. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A clinician orders the measurement of galectin-3 in a serum sample to assess the prognosis of a patient with heart failure.
2. A patient with heart failure undergoes a galectin-3 test to determine the risk stratification and treatment failure.
3. A clinician uses CPT code 82777 to measure the level of galectin-3 in a plasma sample to aid in the management of a patient with heart failure.
4. A galectin-3 test is performed on a serum sample to provide information on tissue repair and cardiac remodeling in a patient with heart failure.
5. A clinician orders the measurement of galectin-3 in a plasma sample to monitor the progression of heart failure in a patient.
6. A patient with heart failure undergoes a galectin-3 test to assess the effectiveness of the current treatment plan.
7. A clinician uses CPT code 82777 to measure the level of galectin-3 in a serum sample to guide the adjustment of medication dosage in a patient with heart failure.
8. A galectin-3 test is performed on a plasma sample to evaluate the response to cardiac rehabilitation in a patient with heart failure.
9. A clinician orders the measurement of galectin-3 in a serum sample to assess the need for additional interventions in a patient with heart failure.
10. A patient with heart failure undergoes a galectin-3 test to determine the potential for cardiac remodeling and tissue repair.