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A laboratory test designated by CPT® Code 82705 is utilized to qualitatively assess the presence or absence of excess fat or lipids in feces. This test is crucial for understanding how the body processes dietary fats, which are typically broken down in the intestine through the action of pancreatic enzymes and bile. The breakdown process involves the conversion of neutral fats, such as monoglycerides, diglycerides, and triglycerides, into free fatty acids, a process referred to as splitting fats. When there is an elevation in neutral fats, it may indicate issues related to the synthesis or secretion of pancreatic enzymes and/or bile, which are essential for proper fat digestion. Conversely, an increase in split fats can suggest that the body is experiencing difficulties in nutrient absorption. Clinically, the presence of excess fat in feces can manifest through symptoms such as persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, and steatorrhea, which is characterized by fatty stools. To conduct this test, a stool sample is collected, which can be a random sample or collected over a period of 24, 48, or 72 hours. It is imperative that the sample remains uncontaminated by urine, toilet water, or toilet paper to ensure accurate results. The qualitative analysis of the fecal sample is performed using microscopy or staining techniques to detect the fat content.
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The qualitative fecal fat test, represented by CPT® Code 82705, is indicated for the evaluation of various gastrointestinal conditions that may lead to malabsorption of fats. The following conditions and symptoms warrant the performance of this test:
The procedure for conducting the qualitative fecal fat test involves several critical steps to ensure accurate results. First, a stool sample is collected from the patient. This sample can be a random collection or gathered over a specified duration, such as 24, 48, or 72 hours, depending on the clinical scenario and physician's instructions. It is essential that the sample is collected in a clean container to avoid contamination. During collection, care must be taken to ensure that the sample does not come into contact with urine, toilet water, or toilet paper, as these contaminants can interfere with the test results. Once the sample is obtained, it is sent to the laboratory for analysis. In the lab, the fecal sample undergoes qualitative testing using microscopy or staining techniques. These methods allow for the identification and quantification of fat content within the stool, providing valuable information regarding the patient's ability to digest and absorb dietary fats.
After the qualitative fecal fat test is performed, the patient may not require any specific post-procedure care, as the test is non-invasive and does not involve any surgical intervention. However, it is important for healthcare providers to communicate the results to the patient once they are available. Depending on the findings, further diagnostic testing or treatment may be necessary to address any underlying conditions related to fat malabsorption. Patients should be advised to follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss the implications of the test results and any potential next steps in their care.
| Short Descr | FATS/LIPIDS FECES QUAL | Medium Descr | FAT/LIPIDS FECES QUALITATIVE | Long Descr | Fat or lipids, feces; qualitative | 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 |
| XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service | 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. | Q4 | Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption | 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 | 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 | 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 |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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