How To Use CPT Code 82951

CPT 82951 describes the procedure for a glucose tolerance test (GTT) that involves taking three specimens of blood at different times. This article will cover the description, official definition, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 82951?

CPT 82951 can be used to describe the procedure for a glucose tolerance test (GTT) that involves taking three specimens of blood at different times. This test is typically performed after the patient has fasted for at least eight hours, and then at two set time intervals after the patient consumes a fixed oral dose of glucose. The purpose of the test is to measure the amount of glucose present in the patient’s blood and to check for conditions such as insulin resistance, diabetes, or gestational diabetes.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82951 is: ‘Glucose; tolerance test (GTT), 3 specimens (includes glucose).’ This code includes the three glucose tests and should not be separately billed for the oral glucose dose that the patient takes.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs a glucose tolerance test (GTT) by taking three specimens of blood from the patient at different times.
2. The first specimen is taken while the patient is fasting, typically after at least eight hours of fasting.
3. The second and third specimens are taken at specific time intervals, usually one hour each, after the patient consumes a fixed oral dose of glucose.
4. The lab analyst uses a method such as an enzyme assay to measure the amount of glucose in each specimen. This may involve adding a reagent containing an enzyme that reacts with glucose in the specimen and measuring the resulting change using a specialized chemistry analyzer instrument.
5. The results of the glucose tolerance test can help clinicians assess the patient’s glucose metabolism and diagnose conditions such as insulin resistance, diabetes, or gestational diabetes.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82951 is typically ordered by clinicians to check for insulin resistance, diabetes, or gestational diabetes. It is not limited to testing for a specific condition. The test is performed on patients who have fasted for at least eight hours and are able to consume a fixed oral dose of glucose. The test is performed by a lab analyst using a specialized chemistry analyzer instrument and a method such as an enzyme assay to measure the amount of glucose in the patient’s blood.

5. When to use CPT code 82951

CPT code 82951 should be used when a glucose tolerance test (GTT) is performed, and three specimens of blood are taken at different times to measure the amount of glucose in the patient’s blood. This code includes the three glucose tests and should not be separately billed for the oral glucose dose that the patient takes. If additional glucose doses and measurements are performed beyond three, they should be reported using CPT code 82952, listed separately in addition to the primary procedure code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 82951, the following documentation is required:

• Patient’s fasting period of at least eight hours
• Specific times at which the second and third specimens were taken
• Method used to measure the amount of glucose in each specimen, such as an enzyme assay
• Results of the glucose tolerance test
• Diagnosis or reason for ordering the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 82951, ensure that the glucose tolerance test (GTT) is performed and three specimens of blood are taken at different times. Do not separately bill for the oral glucose dose that the patient takes. If additional glucose doses and measurements are performed beyond three, report each additional dose and measurement using CPT code 82952, listed separately in addition to the primary procedure code.

8. Historical information

CPT code 82951 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2010, with the description being updated to ‘Glucose; tolerance test (GTT), three specimens (includes glucose).’ There have been no further updates to the code since then.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a glucose tolerance test (GTT) to assess their glucose metabolism and check for insulin resistance.
2. A pregnant woman takes a glucose tolerance test (GTT) to screen for gestational diabetes.
3. A patient with symptoms of diabetes undergoes a glucose tolerance test (GTT) to confirm the diagnosis.
4. A patient with a family history of diabetes undergoes a glucose tolerance test (GTT) as a preventive measure.
5. A patient with symptoms of insulin resistance undergoes a glucose tolerance test (GTT) to evaluate their glucose metabolism.
6. A patient with unexplained high blood sugar levels undergoes a glucose tolerance test (GTT) to determine the cause.
7. A patient with gestational diabetes undergoes a glucose tolerance test (GTT) to monitor their blood sugar levels.
8. A patient with diabetes undergoes a glucose tolerance test (GTT) to assess their response to treatment.
9. A patient with symptoms of hypoglycemia undergoes a glucose tolerance test (GTT) to evaluate their blood sugar regulation.
10. A patient with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoes a glucose tolerance test (GTT) to assess their risk of developing diabetes.