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Official Description

Gammaglobulin (immunoglobulin); IgE

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 82785 refers to the laboratory test for measuring immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in the 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 specific test is essential for diagnosing various medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases, allergies, and certain types of cancers such as multiple myeloma and macroglobulinemia. Elevated IgE levels are particularly associated with allergic reactions, as IgE antibodies react to allergens such as food, pollen, dander, and dust. The test may also be utilized to assess patients with recurrent infections to determine if they have low levels of immunoglobulin IgG, which is vital for fighting infections. The methodology for testing IgE levels varies based on the specimen type and the specific immunoglobulin being analyzed. It is important to note that while this code is specific to IgE determination, other immunoglobulin tests, such as IgA, IgD, IgG, and IgM, are reported using different CPT® codes. The accurate measurement of immunoglobulin levels is critical for effective diagnosis and treatment planning in various clinical scenarios.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The IgE test (CPT® Code 82785) is indicated for the evaluation of various conditions, particularly those related to immune response and allergic reactions. The following are specific indications for performing this test:

  • Allergic Reactions: The test is performed to assess the presence of IgE antibodies in patients experiencing symptoms of allergies, which may include respiratory issues, skin reactions, or gastrointestinal disturbances.
  • Autoimmune Diseases: It aids in the diagnosis of autoimmune conditions where the immune system may be improperly activated, leading to the production of abnormal immunoglobulin levels.
  • Malignant Neoplasms: The test is utilized in the evaluation of certain cancers, such as multiple myeloma and macroglobulinemia, where immunoglobulin levels may be altered.
  • Frequent Infections: In patients with recurrent infections, the test helps determine if there is a deficiency in immunoglobulin IgG, which is crucial for immune defense.
  • Monitoring Treatment Efficacy: The IgE levels may be evaluated in patients undergoing treatment for conditions like cancer or H. pylori infection to assess the effectiveness of the therapeutic interventions.

2. Procedure

The procedure for testing immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels involves several key steps, which are outlined below:

  • Specimen Collection: A blood specimen is obtained through a process known as venipuncture, which involves inserting a needle into a vein to draw blood. Alternatively, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can be collected via a spinal puncture, or saliva may be gathered for testing. Each of these specimen types is collected using specific techniques that ensure the integrity of the sample for accurate testing.
  • Testing Methodology: The methodology employed to measure IgE levels is contingent upon the type of specimen collected. Various laboratory techniques may be utilized, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or radioimmunoassay (RIA), depending on the laboratory's protocols and the specific requirements of the test.
  • Result Interpretation: Once the testing is completed, the results are analyzed to determine the concentration of IgE antibodies present in the specimen. Elevated levels of IgE may indicate an allergic response or other underlying conditions, while normal levels can help rule out certain allergies or immunodeficiencies.

3. Post-Procedure

After the IgE testing procedure, there are generally no specific post-procedure care requirements for patients. However, it is important for healthcare providers to communicate the results to the patient and discuss any necessary follow-up actions based on the findings. If the test indicates elevated IgE levels, further evaluation or referral to an allergist or immunologist may be warranted to explore potential allergies or other related conditions. Patients should also be informed about any symptoms to monitor and when to seek further medical advice.

Short Descr ASSAY OF IGE
Medium Descr ASSAY OF GAMMAGLOBULIN IGE
Long Descr Gammaglobulin (immunoglobulin); IgE
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.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
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.
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
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.
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.
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.
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
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
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
SA Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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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