How To Use CPT Code 82785

CPT 82785 describes the analysis of the quantity of immunoglobulin E (IgE) 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 82785?

CPT 82785 can be used to report the measurement of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in a specimen. This code is used when a lab analyst performs the technical steps to analyze the quantity of IgE present in plasma or body fluids. IgE is an antibody that plays a role in allergic responses and is associated with conditions such as allergies, asthma, and parasitic infections.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82785 is: ‘Gammaglobulin (immunoglobulin); IgE.’ This code specifically refers to the measurement of IgE levels in a specimen. It is important to note that for allergen-specific IgE testing, different codes such as 86003 and 86005 should be used.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical steps to measure the concentration of IgE in the specimen.
2. The analyst mixes the specimen with an anti-IgE bound with fluorescence.
3. The specimen is incubated to allow the binding of IgE to the anti-IgE.
4. The analyst measures the fluorescence to determine the concentration of IgE in the sample.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82785 is typically ordered by clinicians when they suspect a patient has allergies, asthma, or a parasitic infection. The test helps in diagnosing and monitoring these conditions by measuring the level of IgE in the blood. Patients with high levels of IgE are more prone to experiencing allergic reactions and symptoms associated with these conditions.

5. When to use CPT code 82785

CPT code 82785 should be used when a lab analyst performs the analysis of IgE levels in a specimen. It is important to note that routine measurement of total serum IgE is not considered a useful screening test by most providers. Therefore, this code is typically used when there is a clinical suspicion of allergies, asthma, or parasitic infections.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82785, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as suspected allergies, asthma, or parasitic infection
• Details of the specimen analyzed
• Methodology used for the analysis
• Results of the IgE measurement
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the analysis

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82785, it is important to ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst and that the appropriate documentation is provided. Some payers may separately reimburse for the collection of the specimen using a code such as 36415 for venous blood collection. It is also important to note that CPT code 82785 should not be reported if allergen-specific IgE testing is performed using codes 86003 or 86005.

8. Historical information

CPT code 82785 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was later changed on January 1, 2010, to specify ‘Gammaglobulin; IgE’ as the description.

9. Examples

1. A clinician orders CPT code 82785 to measure the IgE levels in a patient suspected of having allergies.
2. A lab analyst performs the analysis of IgE levels in a specimen from a patient with asthma using CPT code 82785.
3. CPT code 82785 is used to measure the IgE levels in a specimen from a patient with chronic diarrhea suspected of having a parasitic infection.
4. A clinician orders CPT code 82785 to monitor the IgE levels in a patient undergoing immunotherapy for allergies.
5. A lab analyst performs the analysis of IgE levels in a specimen from a patient with suspected anaphylaxis using CPT code 82785.
6. CPT code 82785 is used to measure the IgE levels in a specimen from a patient with recurrent allergic reactions.
7. A clinician orders CPT code 82785 to assess the IgE levels in a patient with suspected allergic rhinitis.
8. A lab analyst performs the analysis of IgE levels in a specimen from a patient with suspected food allergies using CPT code 82785.
9. CPT code 82785 is used to measure the IgE levels in a specimen from a patient with suspected drug allergies.
10. A clinician orders CPT code 82785 to monitor the IgE levels in a patient with a known history of allergic asthma.