Overview
CPT® code 82728 is used to report a laboratory test that measures ferritin levels in a patient’s serum. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron and releases it in a controlled manner. Measuring ferritin helps clinicians evaluate iron status, detect iron deficiency or overload, and assess inflammation or chronic disease. It is one of the most reliable indicators of total body iron stores.
When to Use CPT 82728
Use CPT 82728 when evaluating patients for suspected iron deficiency anemia, hemochromatosis, or inflammatory conditions. It is also appropriate for monitoring iron levels in patients receiving iron supplementation or those with chronic diseases that affect iron metabolism.
Key Requirements
- Requires a serum specimen for analysis.
- Should be ordered when symptoms suggest altered iron status, such as fatigue, weakness, or pallor.
- Often performed alongside other iron studies like serum iron (83540) and total iron-binding capacity (83550).
- Documentation should include the clinical reason for testing, such as suspected anemia or iron overload.
Billing Guidelines
- Report 82728 for the quantitative measurement of ferritin in serum.
- Do not bill separately if ferritin testing is part of a defined panel that includes it.
- Ensure medical necessity is documented, describing relevant symptoms or ongoing therapy.
- Report only once per encounter unless repeat testing is medically justified.
Example Clinical Scenarios
- A patient with chronic fatigue and pallor is tested for anemia—ferritin helps confirm iron deficiency.
- A provider monitors iron therapy effectiveness in a patient recovering from iron-deficiency anemia.
- A patient with elevated liver enzymes and high ferritin levels is evaluated for possible hemochromatosis.
Summary
CPT® code 82728 represents the ferritin test, a key tool for assessing iron storage and identifying iron-related disorders. By measuring ferritin, clinicians can distinguish between iron deficiency, overload, and inflammatory causes of anemia, guiding accurate diagnosis and treatment.
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