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The CPT® Code 82747 refers to a laboratory test that measures the levels of folic acid, also known as folate, specifically in red blood cells (RBCs). Folic acid is a vital nutrient, classified as Vitamin B9, which plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including the growth, division, and repair of cells. This nutrient is particularly important during periods of rapid growth, such as fetal development during pregnancy and early infancy. Adequate levels of folic acid are essential for the production of healthy red blood cells, which helps prevent anemia across all age groups. The test associated with this code is utilized not only for diagnosing anemia but also for identifying certain neuropathies and monitoring the effectiveness of treatments for these conditions. To perform this test, a blood sample is collected, typically through a procedure known as venipuncture, which is reported separately. It is important to note that when measuring serum folic acid levels, the CPT® Code 82746 should be used instead. The measurement of folic acid in RBCs reflects the levels present at the time the cells were produced, which can be up to two months prior to the test. Both the RBC and serum folic acid tests are generally conducted using a quantitative chemiluminescent immunoassay method, ensuring accurate and reliable results.
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The folic acid test, coded as CPT® 82747, is indicated for several clinical scenarios, particularly when assessing folate levels in red blood cells. The following conditions and symptoms may warrant the performance of this test:
The procedure for obtaining a folic acid level in red blood cells involves several key steps, which are outlined below:
After the procedure, patients may experience minor discomfort or bruising at the venipuncture site, which typically resolves quickly. There are no specific post-procedure care instructions related to the folic acid test itself; however, patients should be advised to report any unusual symptoms or prolonged discomfort. The results of the test will be communicated to the patient, and if necessary, further evaluation or treatment will be discussed based on the findings.
| Short Descr | ASSAY OF FOLIC ACID RBC | Medium Descr | ASSAY OF FOLIC ACID RBC | Long Descr | Folic acid; RBC | 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. | Q4 | Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | 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. | 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 | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | 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 |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 1993-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1993. |
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