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The CPT® Code 82977 refers to the measurement of gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels through a blood test. GGT is an important enzyme that plays a crucial role in the transfer of amino acids across cell membranes, particularly in various organs such as the liver, kidneys, pancreas, heart, brain, and seminal vesicles. The assessment of GGT levels is significant as it serves as a diagnostic marker for a range of diseases affecting the liver, bile ducts, and pancreas. To perform this test, a blood sample is collected, which is typically done through a procedure known as venipuncture. This blood sample is then analyzed using quantitative enzymatic methodology, which allows for precise measurement of GGT levels in either serum or plasma. The results of this test can provide valuable insights into the health of the liver and other related organs, aiding healthcare professionals in diagnosing and managing various medical conditions.
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The GGT test is performed for several specific indications, particularly when there is a need to evaluate liver function or diagnose potential liver-related diseases. The following conditions may warrant the use of this test:
The procedure for measuring GGT levels involves several key steps that ensure accurate results. First, a healthcare professional will prepare the patient for the blood draw, which includes explaining the procedure and ensuring that the patient is comfortable. Next, the professional will locate a suitable vein, typically in the arm, and clean the area with an antiseptic to minimize the risk of infection. Following this, a tourniquet may be applied to engorge the vein, making it easier to access. A needle is then inserted into the vein to collect the blood sample, which is drawn into a sterile vial. Once the required amount of blood is collected, the needle is removed, and pressure is applied to the site to stop any bleeding. The blood sample is then labeled and sent to the laboratory for analysis. In the lab, the serum or plasma is tested using quantitative enzymatic methodology to determine the GGT levels accurately.
After the blood draw, patients are typically advised to apply pressure to the puncture site for a few minutes to prevent bruising. It is common for patients to experience slight discomfort or a small bruise at the site, which usually resolves quickly. There are generally no specific restrictions following the procedure, and patients can resume normal activities immediately. However, if there are any unusual symptoms, such as excessive bleeding or signs of infection, patients are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider for further evaluation. The results of the GGT test are usually available within a few days, and healthcare professionals will discuss the findings with the patient to determine any necessary follow-up actions or additional testing that may be required.
| Short Descr | ASSAY OF GGT | Medium Descr | ASSAY OF GLUTAMYLTRASE GAMMA | Long Descr | Glutamyltransferase, gamma (GGT) | Status Code | Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 9 - Not Applicable | Multiple Procedures (51) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Co-Surgeons (62) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Team Surgery (66) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | CLIA Waived (QW) | Yes | APC Status Indicator | Conditionally packaged laboratory tests | Type of Service (TOS) | 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule) | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 233 - Laboratory - Chemistry and Hematology |
| GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | QW | Clia waived test | 90 | Reference (outside) laboratory: when laboratory procedures are performed by a party other than the treating or reporting physician or other qualified health care professional, the procedure may be identified by adding modifier 90 to the usual procedure number. | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | Q4 | Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 91 | Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient. | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | GY | Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | 26 | Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number. | Q0 | Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | 76 | Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | AY | Item or service furnished to an esrd patient that is not for the treatment of esrd | CC | Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed) | EC | Erythropoetic stimulating agent (esa) administered to treat anemia not due to anti-cancer radiotherapy or anti-cancer chemotherapy | GX | Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy | PD | Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days | PN | Non-excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital | Q6 | Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area | QJ | Services/items provided to a prisoner or patient in state or local custody, however the state or local government, as applicable, meets the requirements in 42 cfr 411.4 (b) | QT | Recording and storage on tape by an analog tape recorder | TC | Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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