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The CPT® Code 82715 refers to a laboratory test known as the fat differential in feces, which is performed quantitatively. This test is designed to measure the levels of fat or lipids present in fecal matter. The human body processes dietary fats in the intestine through the action of pancreatic enzymes and bile. During this process, neutral fats, which include monoglycerides, diglycerides, and triglycerides, are broken down into free fatty acids, a process referred to as fat splitting. An increase in the levels of neutral fats in the feces may indicate issues related to the synthesis or secretion of pancreatic enzymes and/or bile, suggesting potential pancreatic dysfunction. Conversely, elevated levels of split fats can signify impaired nutrient absorption, which may lead to various gastrointestinal symptoms. Common symptoms associated with excess fat in feces include persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, and steatorrhea, which is characterized by the presence of fatty stools. To conduct this test, a stool sample is collected over a specified duration, which can be 24, 48, or 72 hours. It is crucial that the sample remains uncontaminated by urine, toilet water, or toilet paper to ensure accurate results. The analysis of the fecal sample is performed using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, which allows for the quantification of the differential fat composition, including components such as cholesterol, phospholipids, and triglycerides.
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The fat differential test, coded as CPT® 82715, is indicated for the evaluation of various gastrointestinal conditions that may lead to malabsorption or fat maldigestion. The following conditions and symptoms warrant the performance of this test:
The procedure for conducting the fat differential test involves several key steps to ensure accurate results. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the fat differential test is completed, the results are typically reviewed by a healthcare professional. Depending on the findings, further diagnostic evaluations or treatments may be recommended. Patients may be advised to follow up with their physician to discuss the results and any necessary next steps. It is important to monitor any ongoing symptoms, as they may indicate the need for additional testing or intervention related to fat malabsorption or other gastrointestinal issues.
| Short Descr | ASSAY OF FECAL FAT | Medium Descr | FAT DIFFIAL FECES QUANTITATIVE | Long Descr | Fat differential, feces, quantitative | 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 | 3 | CCS Clinical Classification | 233 - Laboratory - Chemistry and Hematology |
| 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 | 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. | 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. | 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 |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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