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Official Description

Cryoglobulin, qualitative or semi-quantitative (eg, cryocrit)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 82595 refers to the qualitative or semi-quantitative testing of cryoglobulins, commonly known as cryocrit. This procedure involves analyzing a blood sample to determine the presence or absence of cryoglobulins, which are abnormal proteins that can precipitate in the blood at low temperatures. The qualitative aspect of the test simply identifies whether cryoglobulins are present, while the semi-quantitative aspect provides an estimate of their concentration in the sample. Cryoglobulins are often associated with various medical conditions, including plasma cell and lymphoproliferative disorders, collagen vascular diseases, hepatitis C, infectious mononucleosis, and cytomegalovirus disease. To perform this test, a blood sample is collected through a venipuncture, which is a separately reportable procedure. The testing process involves cold precipitation techniques, and the sample is monitored daily over a period of 3 to 5 days to detect any evidence of cryoglobulins. This thorough examination is crucial for diagnosing and managing the aforementioned conditions effectively.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 82595 is indicated for the evaluation of various medical conditions where the presence of cryoglobulins may be relevant. The following conditions are explicitly mentioned as indications for this test:

  • Plasma Cell Disorders - Conditions characterized by the abnormal proliferation of plasma cells, which can lead to the production of cryoglobulins.
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders - Disorders involving the excessive production of lymphocytes, which may also result in cryoglobulin formation.
  • Collagen Vascular Diseases - Autoimmune diseases that affect connective tissues, where cryoglobulins can play a role in disease pathology.
  • Hepatitis C - A viral infection that can lead to the development of cryoglobulinemia, necessitating testing for cryoglobulins.
  • Infectious Mononucleosis - A viral infection that may be associated with the presence of cryoglobulins in the blood.
  • Cytomegalovirus Disease - An infection caused by the cytomegalovirus, which can also lead to the production of cryoglobulins.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 82595 involves several key steps to ensure accurate testing for cryoglobulins. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Step 1: Blood Sample Collection - A blood sample is obtained from the patient through a venipuncture, which is a standard procedure for drawing blood. This step is crucial as it provides the necessary specimen for testing. The venipuncture must be performed by a qualified healthcare professional to ensure proper technique and minimize discomfort for the patient.
  • Step 2: Cold Precipitation Testing - Once the blood sample is collected, it is subjected to cold precipitation techniques. This involves cooling the sample to induce the precipitation of cryoglobulins, if present. The sample is then monitored for changes that indicate the presence of these proteins.
  • Step 3: Daily Examination - The sample is examined daily over a period of 3 to 5 days. This prolonged observation is necessary to detect any evidence of cryoglobulins, as they may not precipitate immediately. The results of these examinations will determine whether cryoglobulins are present and, if applicable, provide a semi-quantitative estimate of their concentration.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the cryoglobulin testing procedure, the healthcare provider will review the results obtained from the blood sample analysis. If cryoglobulins are detected, further evaluation may be necessary to understand the underlying condition associated with their presence. The patient may be monitored for symptoms related to the conditions indicated by the test results. Additionally, the healthcare provider may discuss potential treatment options or further diagnostic testing based on the findings. It is important for the patient to follow any post-procedure instructions provided by the healthcare professional to ensure optimal care and management of their health condition.

Short Descr ASSAY OF CRYOGLOBULIN
Medium Descr CRYOGLOBULIN QUALITATIVE/SEMI-QUANTITATIVE
Long Descr Cryoglobulin, qualitative or semi-quantitative (eg, cryocrit)
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) T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 233 - Laboratory - Chemistry and Hematology
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.
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.
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.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
Date
Action
Notes
2001-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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Description
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Description
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