How To Use CPT Code 83527

CPT 83527 describes the measurement of free insulin levels in a serum sample. 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 83527?

CPT 83527 can be used to measure the level of free insulin in a serum sample. Free insulin refers to the active portion of insulin that is not bound to proteins and is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. This code is used when a lab analyst performs the quantitative measurement of free insulin using a radioimmunoassay method.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 83527 is: ‘Insulin; free.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a serum sample from the patient.
2. The serum sample is then tested using a radioimmunoassay method.
3. The radioimmunoassay method involves using a gamma radioactive tagged isotope to measure the free insulin levels in the sample.
4. The lab analyst uses a gamma counter to obtain a precise measurement of the free insulin levels.
5. The result of the test indicates the amount of active insulin that is available for glucose regulation.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 83527 is typically ordered by clinicians to monitor insulin-dependent patients. It provides valuable information about the active form of insulin, which is responsible for controlling blood sugar levels. This test is not limited to a specific condition and can be used in various clinical scenarios where free insulin levels need to be assessed.

5. When to use CPT code 83527

CPT code 83527 should be used when there is a need to measure the free insulin levels in a serum sample. It is appropriate to use this code when clinicians want to assess the active form of insulin for monitoring and managing blood sugar levels. This code should not be used for testing other components of insulin or for different types of insulin assays.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 83527, the documentation should include:

• Indication for the test and the clinical need for measuring free insulin levels
• Details of the serum sample collection
• Testing method used, such as radioimmunoassay
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the free insulin measurement
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 83527, ensure that the test is performed to measure free insulin levels in a serum sample. It is important to use the appropriate code for specimen collection if required. Additionally, consider any specific payer guidelines or requirements for reporting this code. It is also important to note that CPT code 83527 should not be reported with other codes unless medically necessary and supported by documentation.

8. Historical information

CPT 83527 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1994. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst measures the free insulin level in a serum sample of a patient with type 1 diabetes to monitor their insulin therapy effectiveness.
2. During a routine check-up, a physician orders a free insulin test for a patient with suspected insulin resistance to assess their insulin levels.
3. A patient with gestational diabetes undergoes a free insulin test to determine the appropriate insulin dosage for managing their blood sugar levels during pregnancy.
4. A researcher conducts a study on the correlation between free insulin levels and obesity, measuring the free insulin levels in serum samples of participants.
5. A patient with suspected insulinoma undergoes a free insulin test to aid in the diagnosis of the pancreatic tumor.
6. A healthcare provider orders a free insulin test for a patient with hypoglycemia to assess if low free insulin levels are contributing to their condition.
7. As part of a comprehensive metabolic panel, a free insulin test is performed to evaluate a patient’s overall glucose regulation.
8. A patient with suspected insulin overdose undergoes a free insulin test to determine the extent of excess insulin in their system.
9. A patient with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoes a free insulin test to assess their insulin levels, which can be elevated in PCOS cases.
10. A patient with suspected insulin resistance undergoes a free insulin test to aid in the diagnosis and management of their condition.