How To Use CPT Code 82938

CPT 82938 describes the procedure for measuring the gastrin level in a patient after the administration of the stimulant secretin. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 82938?

CPT 82938 can be used to describe the procedure of measuring the gastrin level in a patient after the administration of secretin, a digestive hormone stimulant. This code is used when the lab analyst performs the technical steps to quantitate each specimen obtained for the gastrin level, usually involving multiple blood draws following the injection of secretin. The testing is performed on serum using a radioimmunoassay methodology.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82938 is: ‘Gastrin after secretin stimulation.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects multiple blood samples from the patient after the administration of secretin.
2. The collected blood samples are then tested using a radioimmunoassay methodology.
3. The radioimmunoassay utilizes a gamma–radioactive tagged isotope to precisely measure the gastrin level using a gamma counter.
4. The procedure helps in assessing problems associated with the digestive and pancreatic systems.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82938 is typically ordered by clinicians for patients experiencing obscure stomach pain, weight loss, loss of appetite, suspected stomach ulcers, and other gastric symptoms. The procedure is helpful in assessing problems associated with the digestive and pancreatic systems. It is not limited to testing for a specific condition.

5. When to use CPT code 82938

CPT code 82938 should be used when a clinician orders the measurement of the gastrin level in a patient after the administration of secretin. This procedure is typically performed when initial testing does not reveal diagnostic information for gastric symptoms.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82938, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the procedure, such as obscure stomach pain or suspected stomach ulcer
• Date and time of the procedure
• Results of the gastrin level measurement
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82938, report each gastrin sample performed after the initial one with code 82938. If the patient undergoes the first gastrin test before the gastrin stimulation test using secretin, use code 82941 for the initial test. Some payers may separately reimburse for specimen collection using code 36415 for venipuncture, but typically for a maximum of one draw code per day, per patient.

8. Historical information

CPT 82938 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 patient with unexplained stomach pain undergoes the gastrin stimulation test using secretin, and the gastrin level is measured using CPT code 82938.
2. A patient with weight loss and loss of appetite undergoes the gastrin stimulation test using secretin, and the gastrin level is measured using CPT code 82938.
3. A patient with suspected stomach ulcer undergoes the gastrin stimulation test using secretin, and the gastrin level is measured using CPT code 82938.
4. A patient with gastric symptoms that do not reveal diagnostic information in initial testing undergoes the gastrin stimulation test using secretin, and the gastrin level is measured using CPT code 82938.
5. A patient with digestive system problems undergoes the gastrin stimulation test using secretin, and the gastrin level is measured using CPT code 82938.
6. A patient with pancreatic system issues undergoes the gastrin stimulation test using secretin, and the gastrin level is measured using CPT code 82938.
7. A patient with suspected gastric acid production abnormalities undergoes the gastrin stimulation test using secretin, and the gastrin level is measured using CPT code 82938.
8. A patient with suspected gastrinoma undergoes the gastrin stimulation test using secretin, and the gastrin level is measured using CPT code 82938.
9. A patient with suspected Zollinger-Ellison syndrome undergoes the gastrin stimulation test using secretin, and the gastrin level is measured using CPT code 82938.
10. A patient with suspected digestive system disorders undergoes the gastrin stimulation test using secretin, and the gastrin level is measured using CPT code 82938.