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The CPT® Code 84478 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure triglyceride levels in blood or body fluids. Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) that consists of glycerol and three fatty acid molecules. They are significant components of very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) found in the bloodstream, as well as chylomicrons, which are particles that transport cholesterol, protein, and triglycerides in lymphatic fluid. The primary function of triglycerides is to serve as an energy source during metabolic processes, and they play a crucial role in transporting any unused dietary fats or calories to the liver and fat cells for storage. Elevated triglyceride levels can indicate recent consumption of carbohydrates and/or fats, which is why it is essential for patients to fast for 12 hours prior to the blood sample collection. The blood sample is typically obtained through a procedure known as venipuncture, which is separately reportable. In cases where body fluid is required, it can be collected via needle aspiration or through incision and drainage of pooled fluid. The testing of serum, plasma, and body fluids for triglyceride levels is conducted using quantitative enzymatic methods, ensuring accurate measurement of triglyceride concentrations.
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The triglyceride test (CPT® Code 84478) is performed for several specific indications, which include the following:
The procedure for obtaining triglyceride levels involves several key steps, which are outlined as follows:
After the triglyceride test is completed, there are generally no specific post-procedure care requirements for the patient. However, it is advisable for patients to resume normal activities and dietary habits unless otherwise instructed by their healthcare provider. The results of the test will be analyzed and reported, and any necessary follow-up or treatment adjustments will be discussed based on the findings. Patients may be advised to schedule a follow-up appointment to review their results and discuss any further actions if elevated triglyceride levels are detected.
| Short Descr | ASSAY OF TRIGLYCERIDES | Medium Descr | ASSAY OF TRIGLYCERIDES | Long Descr | Triglycerides | 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) | Yes | APC Status Indicator | Service Paid under Fee Schedule or Payment System other than OPPS | 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 |
| GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | QW | Clia waived test | 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. | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | 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. | Q4 | Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption | QJ | Services/items provided to a prisoner or patient in state or local custody, however the state or local government, as applicable, meets the requirements in 42 cfr 411.4 (b) | 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. | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | 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. | 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 | Q0 | Investigational 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 |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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