CPT® Code 82247 is used to report the laboratory measurement of total bilirubin in a patient's specimen, typically blood. Bilirubin is produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells and is processed by the liver. Measuring total bilirubin can help evaluate liver function, bile flow, and disorders involving red blood cell breakdown.
Total bilirubin testing is commonly included in liver function evaluations and may be used when assessing jaundice or abnormal liver-related laboratory findings.
This code represents the laboratory assay, not specimen collection or separate evaluation and management services.
Key Facts About CPT® 82247
- Service type: Laboratory chemistry test
- Test: Total bilirubin
- Specimen type: Typically serum or plasma
- Test purpose: Evaluate bilirubin metabolism, liver function, and related conditions
- Provider type: Physicians, laboratories, and qualified healthcare professionals
Common clinical indications:
- Jaundice
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Suspected liver disease
- Biliary obstruction
- Hemolysis or increased red blood cell destruction
- Monitoring certain liver or blood disorders
When to Use CPT® 82247
CPT 82247 is appropriate when:
- A provider orders total bilirubin testing
- Evaluating a patient with jaundice or other signs of abnormal bilirubin metabolism
- Investigating suspected hepatic or biliary disease
- Assessing possible hemolysis
- Monitoring bilirubin levels as part of an established treatment or diagnostic plan
Examples:
- Evaluating elevated liver enzymes accompanied by jaundice
- Assessing a patient with suspected biliary obstruction
- Monitoring bilirubin levels in a patient with known liver disease
- Investigating elevated bilirubin when hemolysis is part of the differential diagnosis
Documentation Requirements
To support CPT 82247 billing, documentation should include:
- Patient identifiers and date of service
- Clinical indication for bilirubin testing
- Relevant symptoms, diagnoses, or abnormal findings
- Specimen information
- Total bilirubin test performed
- Test result and date reported
- Ordering provider information
When bilirubin testing is part of a broader liver evaluation, documentation should support the medical necessity of the associated laboratory studies.
Reimbursement and Coding Considerations
- CPT 82247 reports total bilirubin measurement
- Direct bilirubin is reported separately when that measurement is performed and appropriately coded
- Diagnosis coding should support the clinical reason for testing
- Total bilirubin may be ordered as part of a broader liver or metabolic laboratory evaluation
- Coverage and frequency requirements vary by payer and clinical indication
- Specimen collection may be separately reportable when permitted by payer policy
Always verify payer-specific laboratory billing requirements before submitting claims.
How OptiMantra Supports Liver Function Testing
OptiMantra's integrated EMR and practice management platform helps streamline documentation and billing for CPT 82247.
With OptiMantra, providers can:
- Order bilirubin and other laboratory tests within the patient chart
- Document symptoms, diagnoses, and clinical indications for testing
- Link laboratory findings to diagnoses and treatment plans
- Maintain organized laboratory documentation that supports billing compliance and audit preparedness
- Coordinate follow-up testing and patient care within the longitudinal record
By centralizing laboratory workflows, OptiMantra helps practices maintain organized clinical records and support efficient monitoring of liver-related conditions.
Try OptiMantra for free here!
Disclaimer: CPT® codes are maintained by the American Medical Association. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace official coding guidelines or payer policies.
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