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Official Description

Gammaglobulin (immunoglobulin); IgA, IgD, IgG, IgM, each

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 82784 refers to the laboratory test for measuring the levels of immunoglobulins, specifically IgA, IgD, IgG, and IgM, in blood or other body fluids such as saliva or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Immunoglobulins, commonly known as antibodies, play a crucial role in the immune system by identifying and neutralizing pathogens like bacteria and viruses. This test is essential for diagnosing a range of medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases, allergies, and certain types of cancers such as multiple myeloma and macroglobulinemia. Additionally, it is utilized to assess patients who experience frequent infections, as low levels of immunoglobulin IgG may indicate an underlying immunodeficiency. The evaluation of immunoglobulin levels can also provide insights into the effectiveness of treatments for conditions like cancer or infections caused by Helicobacter pylori. There are five primary types of immunoglobulins: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM, each serving distinct functions in the immune response. For instance, IgA is predominantly found in mucosal areas, providing a first line of defense against pathogens, while IgG is the most abundant antibody in circulation, crucial for combating bacterial and viral infections. The methodology for testing these immunoglobulins varies based on the specimen type and the specific immunoglobulin being analyzed. To report each immunoglobulin determination, the appropriate CPT® codes must be utilized, ensuring accurate documentation and billing for the laboratory services rendered.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The immunoglobulin test represented by CPT® Code 82784 is indicated for various clinical scenarios, including:

  • Diagnosis of Autoimmune Diseases - The test helps in identifying autoimmune conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.
  • Assessment of Allergies - It is utilized to evaluate patients with suspected allergic reactions, as certain immunoglobulins, particularly IgE, are associated with allergic responses.
  • Evaluation of Malignant Neoplasms - The test aids in diagnosing and monitoring cancers such as multiple myeloma and macroglobulinemia, where abnormal immunoglobulin levels may be present.
  • Investigation of Frequent Infections - It is performed on patients who experience recurrent infections to determine if there is a deficiency in immunoglobulin IgG levels.
  • Monitoring Treatment Effectiveness - The test can be used to assess the effectiveness of treatment in patients with cancer or infections, such as those caused by H. pylori.

2. Procedure

The procedure for testing immunoglobulin levels involves several key steps, which are detailed as follows:

  • Step 1: Specimen Collection - A blood specimen is typically obtained through a venipuncture, which is a standard procedure for drawing blood. In cases where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is required, a spinal puncture is performed to collect the sample. Alternatively, saliva may be collected for testing. Each of these specimen types is crucial for accurately measuring the respective immunoglobulin levels.
  • Step 2: Laboratory Analysis - Once the specimen is collected, it is sent to a laboratory where the immunoglobulin levels are measured. The methodology used for testing may vary depending on the type of specimen collected and the specific immunoglobulin being analyzed. Advanced laboratory techniques are employed to ensure precise quantification of IgA, IgD, IgG, and IgM levels.
  • Step 3: Reporting Results - After the analysis is complete, the results are compiled and reported. Each immunoglobulin determination is documented using the appropriate CPT® code, specifically CPT® Code 82784 for IgA, IgD, IgG, and IgM. This ensures that the testing is accurately billed and recorded in the patient's medical records.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for patients undergoing immunoglobulin testing is generally minimal, as the specimen collection methods (venipuncture, spinal puncture, or saliva collection) are routine and typically well-tolerated. Patients may be advised to monitor the puncture site for any signs of excessive bleeding or infection, particularly after a venipuncture or spinal puncture. Results from the immunoglobulin tests are usually available within a few days, and healthcare providers will discuss the findings with the patient, including any necessary follow-up actions based on the results. It is important for patients to understand the implications of their immunoglobulin levels and any further testing or treatment that may be required based on the outcomes of this test.

Short Descr ASSAY IGA/IGD/IGG/IGM EACH
Medium Descr ASSAY OF GAMMAGLOBULIN IGA IGD IGG IGM EACH
Long Descr Gammaglobulin (immunoglobulin); IgA, IgD, IgG, IgM, each
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 6
CCS Clinical Classification 233 - Laboratory - Chemistry and Hematology
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.
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.
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.
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
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.
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
GX Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy
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.
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.
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
Q0 Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
32 Mandated services: services related to mandated consultation and/or related services (eg, third party payer, governmental, legislative or regulatory requirement) may be identified by adding modifier 32 to the basic procedure.
95 Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system.
AY Item or service furnished to an esrd patient that is not for the treatment of esrd
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GG Performance and payment of a screening mammogram and diagnostic mammogram on the same patient, same day
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
PN Non-excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
PO Excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
QW Clia waived test
X3 Episodic/broad services: for reporting services by clinicians who have broad responsibility for the comprehensive needs of the patient that is limited to a defined period and circumstance such as a hospitalization; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to the hospitalist's services rendered providing comprehensive and general care to a patient while admitted to the hospital
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2010-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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