How To Use CPT Code 82977

CPT 82977 describes the measurement of the gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) enzyme in a serum 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 82977?

CPT 82977 can be used to measure the gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) enzyme in a serum specimen. This test is commonly ordered by clinicians to identify liver and bile duct problems, as well as primary and secondary cancers in those regions. The GGT test is a sensitive procedure that accurately quantitates the amount of GGT enzyme present in the blood, with elevated levels indicating potential liver and bile duct issues.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82977 is: ‘Glutamyltransferase, gamma (GGT).’ This code represents the measurement of the GGT enzyme in a serum specimen using an enzymatic spectrophotometric technique.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a serum specimen from the patient.
2. The serum specimen is then analyzed using an enzymatic spectrophotometric technique.
3. The technique measures the amount of light absorbed by the sample at a specific wavelength after an enzymatic chemical reaction.
4. The amount of light absorbed is proportional to the concentration of the GGT enzyme in the specimen.
5. The lab analyst records the quantitated GGT enzyme level in the serum specimen.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82977 is typically ordered by clinicians when they suspect liver and bile duct problems, as well as primary and secondary cancers in those regions. It is also a sensitive test for liver dysfunction in children. The GGT enzyme is primarily derived from the liver, although it is also found in other organs. Elevated levels of GGT in the blood can indicate liver and bile duct issues, as well as certain cancers.

5. When to use CPT code 82977

CPT code 82977 should be used when a clinician orders the measurement of the GGT enzyme in a serum specimen to evaluate liver and bile duct function, as well as to screen for primary and secondary cancers in those regions. It is appropriate to use this code when the GGT test is performed using an enzymatic spectrophotometric technique.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 82977, the following documentation is required:

• Order for the GGT test from the clinician
• Date and time of specimen collection
• Method used to analyze the specimen (enzymatic spectrophotometric technique)
• Quantitated GGT enzyme level in the serum specimen
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 82977, ensure that the test is performed using an enzymatic spectrophotometric technique to measure the GGT enzyme in a serum specimen. It is important to include the appropriate documentation to support the claim. Medicare includes this test on the Clinical Lab Fee Schedule Automated Test Pricing list, which may result in lower payment when billed in conjunction with other chemistry tests on that list. Some payers may also separately reimburse for the collection of the specimen using a venipuncture code.

8. Historical information

CPT code 82977 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 clinician orders the measurement of the GGT enzyme in a serum specimen to evaluate liver function in a patient with suspected liver disease.
2. A patient with a history of alcohol overuse undergoes the GGT test to assess liver dysfunction.
3. A clinician orders the GGT test as part of a comprehensive liver panel to screen for primary and secondary liver cancers in a patient with risk factors.
4. A child with suspected liver dysfunction undergoes the GGT test to evaluate liver function.
5. A clinician orders the GGT test to assess bile duct function in a patient with suspected bile duct problems.
6. A patient with a history of liver cancer undergoes the GGT test to monitor disease progression and treatment response.
7. A clinician orders the GGT test to evaluate liver function in a patient with abnormal liver function test results.
8. A patient with jaundice undergoes the GGT test to assess liver function and identify potential causes of the jaundice.
9. A clinician orders the GGT test to evaluate liver function in a patient with suspected liver cirrhosis.
10. A patient with a family history of liver disease undergoes the GGT test as a preventive measure.