How To Use CPT Code 82948

CPT 82948 describes the procedure for measuring the amount of glucose in a patient’s blood using a reagent strip test method. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 82948?

CPT 82948 can be used to describe the procedure performed by a clinician to measure the level of glucose in a patient’s blood using a reagent strip test method. This test is commonly used in the office setting to quickly determine the patient’s blood glucose level. The clinician collects a blood specimen through a finger stick and applies it to the reagent strip. After a specific period of time, the clinician compares the strip to a color chart to determine the glucose level.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82948 is: ‘Glucose; blood, reagent strip.’

3. Procedure

1. The clinician collects a blood specimen from the patient using a finger stick.
2. The clinician applies the blood drop to a reagent strip.
3. After a set period of time, the clinician compares the reagent strip to a color chart to determine the glucose level.
4. The clinician records the glucose level and communicates the results to the patient.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82948 is commonly ordered by clinicians to aid in the diagnosis or monitoring of carbohydrate metabolism disorders, such as diabetes mellitus, idiopathic hypoglycemia, or pancreatic islet cell cancer. This test is not limited to a specific condition and can be used in various clinical scenarios. It is important to note that the test must be performed by a qualified clinician using a reagent strip method.

5. When to use CPT code 82948

CPT code 82948 should be used when a clinician performs a blood glucose test using a reagent strip method. This code is appropriate for both diagnostic purposes and monitoring of treatment for carbohydrate metabolism disorders. It is important to ensure that the test is performed by a qualified clinician and that the reagent strip method is used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82948, the clinician must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis or reason for ordering the test
• Date of the test
• Method used (reagent strip)
• Glucose level obtained
• Any additional relevant information or observations

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82948, ensure that the test is performed by a qualified clinician using a reagent strip method. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding the coverage and reimbursement for this test. Some payers may separately cover the collection of the blood specimen using specific codes. It is also important to distinguish CPT 82948 from other glucose test codes in the range of 82947 to 82952.

8. Historical information

CPT 82948 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A clinician performs a blood glucose test using a reagent strip method to monitor a patient with diabetes mellitus.
2. A clinician orders a blood glucose test using a reagent strip method to aid in the diagnosis of idiopathic hypoglycemia.
3. A patient with pancreatic islet cell cancer undergoes a blood glucose test using a reagent strip method to monitor their condition.
4. A clinician performs a blood glucose test using a reagent strip method to assess a patient’s response to a new diabetes medication.
5. A clinician orders a blood glucose test using a reagent strip method to evaluate a patient’s glucose levels during a fasting period.
6. A patient with suspected carbohydrate metabolism disorder undergoes a blood glucose test using a reagent strip method to aid in the diagnosis.
7. A clinician performs a blood glucose test using a reagent strip method to monitor a patient’s glucose levels during pregnancy.
8. A patient with unexplained low blood sugar undergoes a blood glucose test using a reagent strip method to aid in the diagnosis of idiopathic hypoglycemia.
9. A clinician orders a blood glucose test using a reagent strip method to monitor a patient’s response to dietary changes for diabetes management.
10. A patient with a family history of diabetes undergoes a blood glucose test using a reagent strip method as part of a routine screening.