How To Use CPT Code 82947

CPT 82947 refers to a blood glucose test performed using a method other than a reagent strip. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 82947.

1. What is CPT 82947?

CPT 82947 is a code used to represent a laboratory test that measures the amount of glucose in a patient’s blood using a method other than a reagent strip. This test is often ordered by clinicians to diagnose carbohydrate metabolism disorders, such as diabetes mellitus, idiopathic hypoglycemia, or pancreatic islet cell cancer.

2. 82947 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 82947 is: “Glucose; quantitative, blood (except reagent strip)”.

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT 82947 involves the following steps:

1. The patient is typically required to fast for at least eight hours before the test.
2. A healthcare professional collects a blood sample from the patient, usually through venipuncture.
3. The lab analyst tests the blood sample using a method such as an enzyme assay, which involves adding a reagent containing an enzyme that reacts with glucose in the specimen.
4. The reaction causes a measurable change, which the lab analyst measures using an instrument such as a spectrophotometer.
5. The lab analyst calculates the patient’s blood glucose level based on the measured change.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who are eligible to receive CPT code 82947 services include those who:

• Are suspected of having a carbohydrate metabolism disorder, such as diabetes mellitus, idiopathic hypoglycemia, or pancreatic islet cell cancer.
• Require monitoring of their blood glucose levels for medical reasons, such as adjusting medication dosages or evaluating the effectiveness of treatment.
• Have a medical condition or are taking medications that may affect blood glucose levels, such as corticosteroids or certain diuretics.
• Are pregnant and require glucose testing as part of prenatal care.

5. When to use CPT code 82947

It is appropriate to bill the 82947 CPT code when a healthcare provider orders a blood glucose test using a method other than a reagent strip for the diagnosis or monitoring of carbohydrate metabolism disorders or other medical conditions that may affect blood glucose levels. This code should not be used for tests performed using reagent strip methods.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82947, the following information should be documented:

• The patient’s medical history, including any relevant diagnoses or medications that may affect blood glucose levels.
• The reason for ordering the test, such as suspected carbohydrate metabolism disorder, monitoring of treatment, or evaluation of medication dosage.
• The specific method used for the blood glucose test, such as an enzyme assay.
• The patient’s fasting status at the time of the test.
• The results of the test, including the patient’s blood glucose level.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 82947, keep in mind the following guidelines:

• Some payers may pay separately for collecting the specimen using a code such as 36415, Collection of venous blood by venipuncture.
• Distinguish 82947 for fasting blood glucose using a method such as a chemistry analyzer from other glucose test codes in the range 82948 to 82952.
• Clinicians may order this test more than once in the same day, and some payers will cover multiple units of 82947 only if you bill the subsequent test with a modifier such as 91, Repeat clinical diagnostic test.

8. Historical information

CPT 82947 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was changed on January 1, 2001, with the previous descriptor being “Glucose; quantitative”.

9. Similar codes to CPT 82947

Five similar codes to CPT 82947 and how they differentiate from CPT 82947 are:

• CPT 82948: This code is used for glucose tests performed using a reagent strip method.
• CPT 82950: This code represents a postprandial (after a meal) glucose test, which measures blood glucose levels after the patient has consumed a meal.
• CPT 82951: This code is used for a glucose tolerance test, which involves measuring blood glucose levels at multiple time points after the patient has consumed a glucose-containing beverage.
• CPT 82952: This code represents a gestational glucose tolerance test, which is a specialized glucose tolerance test performed during pregnancy.
• CPT 83036: This code is used for a hemoglobin A1c test, which measures the average blood glucose level over the past two to three months.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 82947 procedures:

1. A patient with a family history of diabetes mellitus undergoes a fasting blood glucose test using an enzyme assay to screen for the condition.
2. A patient with type 2 diabetes has their blood glucose level measured using a chemistry analyzer to evaluate the effectiveness of their current treatment plan.
3. A patient taking corticosteroids for an autoimmune disorder undergoes a fasting blood glucose test using a spectrophotometer to monitor potential side effects on blood glucose levels.
4. A pregnant patient has a fasting blood glucose test performed using an enzyme assay as part of routine prenatal care.
5. A patient with unexplained weight loss and fatigue undergoes a fasting blood glucose test using a chemistry analyzer to investigate the possibility of idiopathic hypoglycemia.
6. A patient with a history of pancreatic islet cell cancer has their blood glucose level measured using a spectrophotometer to monitor for recurrence.
7. A patient with type 1 diabetes has their blood glucose level measured using an enzyme assay to adjust their insulin dosage.
8. A patient with a history of gestational diabetes undergoes a fasting blood glucose test using a chemistry analyzer to screen for the development of type 2 diabetes.
9. A patient with symptoms of hyperglycemia, such as increased thirst and frequent urination, has their blood glucose level measured using a spectrophotometer to diagnose a potential carbohydrate metabolism disorder.
10. A patient with a history of hypoglycemic episodes undergoes a fasting blood glucose test using an enzyme assay to evaluate the need for further testing or treatment.