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Insulin is a crucial hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a vital role in the regulation of blood glucose levels. It facilitates the utilization of circulating glucose for energy, while also promoting the storage of excess glucose as glycogen in liver and muscle cells. The measurement of insulin levels in the blood is essential for assessing various metabolic conditions, particularly diabetes. The CPT® Code 83527 specifically refers to the testing of free insulin levels in the bloodstream. This test is typically performed on a blood sample obtained through venipuncture, which is a procedure where a needle is inserted into a vein to collect blood. The specimen for this test can be collected at random or at specific timed intervals, such as 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes after a 75-gram glucose challenge, which is a test used to evaluate how well the body processes glucose. It is important to note that for accurate results, the patient should be fasting prior to the test. The analysis of the blood sample is conducted using quantitative ultrafiltration, a method that allows for the precise measurement of free insulin levels in serum or plasma.
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The insulin free test (CPT® Code 83527) is indicated for the evaluation of various metabolic disorders, particularly in the context of diabetes management. The following conditions may warrant this test:
The procedure for obtaining a blood sample for the insulin free test involves several key steps:
After the blood sample has been collected, there are generally no specific post-procedure care requirements for the patient. However, it is advisable for the patient to resume normal activities unless otherwise instructed by the healthcare provider. The results of the insulin free test will be analyzed and reported back to the physician, who will interpret the findings in the context of the patient's overall health and any symptoms they may be experiencing. Follow-up appointments may be necessary to discuss the results and any further diagnostic or therapeutic steps that may be required.
| Short Descr | ASSAY OF INSULIN | Medium Descr | ASSAY OF INSULIN FREE | Long Descr | Insulin; free | 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. | 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. | 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. |
| 1994-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1994. |
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