How To Use CPT Code 82784

CPT 82784 describes the analysis of the concentration of a specific gamma globulin in a 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 82784?

CPT 82784 can be used to analyze the concentration of a particular gamma globulin in a specimen. This code is used when a lab analyst performs the technical steps necessary to measure the quantity of the ordered immunoglobulin, such as IgA, IgD, IgG, or IgM, typically in the blood. The analysis may involve nephelometry, a method that measures the intensity of light scattering to determine the quantitation of the analyte.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82784 is: ‘Gammaglobulin (immunoglobulin); IgA, IgD, IgG, IgM, each.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical steps necessary to measure the concentration of the ordered gamma globulin in the specimen.
2. The analysis may involve nephelometry, which measures the intensity of light scattering to determine the quantitation of the analyte.
3. The specimen can be serum, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, or other bodily fluids.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82784 is used when clinicians order the analysis of specific gamma globulins to determine if a patient is having an antibody reaction, an autoimmune reaction, an allergic reaction, or a bacterial or viral reaction. It can also be used to assess if a patient is responding correctly to a vaccine. The analysis is not limited to testing for a specific condition and can be performed on various bodily fluids, including serum, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, or others.

5. When to use CPT code 82784

CPT code 82784 should be used when a lab analyst performs the analysis of the concentration of a specific gamma globulin in a specimen. It is appropriate to bill this code for each gamma globulin tested. It is important to note that some payers may pay separately for the collection of the specimen using a different code, such as 36415 for venous blood collection by venipuncture.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82784, the documentation should include:

• The specific gamma globulin being analyzed (IgA, IgD, IgG, or IgM)
• The type of specimen analyzed (serum, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, etc.)
• The method used for analysis (nephelometry or other)
• The date of the analysis
• The results of the analysis

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82784, ensure that the analysis is performed by a lab analyst and that the specific gamma globulin being analyzed is documented. It is important to note that some payers may have separate reimbursement for the collection of the specimen using a different code, such as 36415 for venous blood collection by venipuncture.

8. Historical information

CPT 82784 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was later changed on January 1, 2010, to include the specific gamma globulins (IgA, IgD, IgG, IgM) in the description.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs the analysis of IgA concentration in a serum specimen to determine if a patient is having an antibody reaction.
2. The lab analyst measures the concentration of IgG in a plasma specimen to assess if a patient is responding correctly to a vaccine.
3. An analysis of IgM concentration in cerebrospinal fluid is performed by a lab analyst to determine if a patient is having a viral reaction.
4. The lab analyst analyzes the concentration of IgD in a serum specimen to investigate a potential malignancy.
5. An analysis of IgG concentration in a plasma specimen is performed to assess if a patient is having an autoimmune reaction.
6. A lab analyst measures the concentration of IgM in a serum specimen to determine if a patient is having an allergic reaction.
7. The analysis of IgA concentration in a cerebrospinal fluid specimen is performed to investigate a bacterial reaction.
8. An analysis of IgG concentration in a plasma specimen is performed to assess if a patient is having an antibody reaction.
9. The lab analyst measures the concentration of IgM in a serum specimen to determine if a patient is responding correctly to a vaccine.
10. An analysis of IgA concentration in a plasma specimen is performed to investigate an autoimmune reaction.