CPT® Code 82077

Official Description

Alcohol (ethanol); any specimen except urine and breath, immunoassay (eg, IA, EIA, ELISA, RIA, EMIT, FPIA) and enzymatic methods (eg, alcohol dehydrogenase)

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 82077 refers to the testing of alcohol (ethanol) levels in any specimen type except for urine and breath. Ethanol is classified as a central nervous system depressant, and measuring its levels is crucial for documenting prior consumption or administration of the substance. Unlike the breath test indicated by CPT® Code 82075, which measures exhaled alcohol levels, Code 82077 encompasses a broader range of specimen types, including saliva, blood, and even vitreous humor in forensic cases. The testing process utilizes immunoassay techniques, such as immunoassay (IA), enzyme immunoassay (EIA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), radioimmunoassay (RIA), enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT), and fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA), as well as enzymatic methods like alcohol dehydrogenase assays. In these enzymatic assays, ethanol present in the sample is converted to acetaldehyde by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, which plays a key role in the detoxification of alcohol. This conversion results in the formation of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), which can be quantitatively measured using spectrophotometric techniques. This comprehensive approach allows for accurate assessment of alcohol levels in various biological specimens, providing essential information for clinical and forensic evaluations.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 82077 is indicated for the measurement of alcohol (ethanol) levels in various specimen types, excluding urine and breath. The following conditions or situations may warrant this testing:

Documenting Alcohol Consumption This test is performed to confirm prior consumption or administration of ethanol, which is essential in clinical settings or legal investigations.
Forensic Analysis In forensic cases, testing may be required to determine alcohol levels in specimens such as vitreous humor, which can provide critical information in investigations of accidents or fatalities.
Clinical Assessment The test may be utilized in clinical assessments where understanding a patient's alcohol levels is necessary for diagnosis or treatment planning.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 82077 involves several key steps to ensure accurate measurement of alcohol levels in the specified specimens. The following procedural steps are outlined:

Specimen Collection A sample is collected from the patient, which may include blood, saliva, or vitreous humor, depending on the clinical or forensic context. Proper collection techniques must be followed to avoid contamination and ensure the integrity of the specimen.
Sample Preparation Once collected, the specimen is prepared for analysis. This may involve centrifugation of blood samples to separate serum or plasma, which is necessary for enzymatic assays.
Testing Methodology The prepared specimen is subjected to immunoassay and enzymatic methods. In the enzymatic assay, alcohol dehydrogenase catalyzes the conversion of ethanol to acetaldehyde, leading to the formation of reduced NADH. This reaction is critical for the subsequent measurement.
Quantitative Measurement The change in the concentration of NADH is measured spectrophotometrically, allowing for the quantification of ethanol levels in the specimen. This step is essential for providing accurate results that can be interpreted by healthcare professionals.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure associated with CPT® Code 82077, the results of the alcohol level testing are typically reviewed and interpreted by qualified healthcare professionals. Depending on the context of the testing, further actions may be required based on the findings. In clinical settings, the results may influence treatment decisions or patient management strategies. In forensic cases, the results can be critical for legal proceedings or investigations. It is important to ensure that all documentation related to the specimen collection, testing methodology, and results is accurately maintained for compliance and quality assurance purposes.

Short Descr	ASSAY SPEC XCP UR&BREATH IA
Medium Descr	ASSAY OF ALCOHOL (ETHANOL) SPEC XCP UR&BREATH IA
Long Descr	Alcohol (ethanol); any specimen except urine and breath, immunoassay (eg, IA, EIA, ELISA, RIA, EMIT, FPIA) and enzymatic methods (eg, alcohol dehydrogenase)
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)	No
APC Status Indicator	Conditionally packaged laboratory tests
Type of Service (TOS)	5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS)	none
MUE	1

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.
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.
GA	Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GW	Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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
GZ	Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
XU	Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service