CPT® Code 82947 is used to report quantitative measurement of blood glucose performed in a clinical laboratory setting, excluding tests performed with reagent strips or point-of-care meters. This test provides an accurate measurement of a patient’s blood glucose level and is essential for diagnosing, monitoring, and managing conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemia, or metabolic disorders.
Unlike qualitative or point-of-care tests, CPT 82947 represents a laboratory-based, instrumented assay that yields precise numeric results. Interpretation and patient counseling are considered separate services and are not included in the code.
Key facts about CPT Code 82947
Service type: Clinical laboratory test
Provider type: Physicians, laboratories, and qualified healthcare professionals
Medical services included: Yes—quantitative measurement of glucose concentration in blood
Specimen type: Whole blood, plasma, or serum
Common clinical indications:
- Diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes or prediabetes
- Evaluation of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia
- Monitoring patients on insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents
- Assessing metabolic or endocrine disorders
- Preoperative or inpatient blood glucose monitoring
When to use CPT Code 82947
CPT 82947 is appropriate when:
- Blood is drawn and sent to a laboratory for quantitative glucose testing
- Testing is medically necessary for diagnosis, treatment planning, or ongoing monitoring
- Results will directly influence clinical decision-making, such as adjusting insulin therapy or evaluating glycemic control
Examples include routine monitoring for patients with type 2 diabetes, evaluating fasting glucose levels during wellness exams, or tracking glucose trends in hospitalized patients.
Documentation requirements
To properly support CPT 82947 billing, documentation should include:
- Patient identifiers and date of specimen collection
- Specimen type (blood, serum, plasma)
- Medical indication for testing
- Method used (instrumented laboratory assay, not reagent strip)
- Test results and any follow-up or treatment recommendations
Accurate documentation ensures proper reimbursement and integration with the patient’s longitudinal health record.
Reimbursement and coding considerations
CPT 82947 is covered by most commercial insurers, Medicare, and Medicaid when medically necessary. Key considerations:
- This code is lab-only; interpretation and counseling are reported separately
- Excludes point-of-care testing with reagent strips (use 82962 for those tests)
- Modifier usage may be required if multiple lab tests are performed on the same specimen
Always verify payer-specific policies for laboratory testing and bundling.
How OptiMantra supports blood glucose testing and lab management
OptiMantra’s integrated EMR and practice management platform simplifies lab workflows and ensures accurate documentation and billing for CPT 82947.
With OptiMantra, providers can:
- Automatically link glucose lab orders to the patient’s chart for longitudinal tracking
- Track blood glucose trends over time for improved clinical decision-making
- Document medical indications and follow-up plans directly in the EMR
- Generate audit-ready, compliant billing codes for lab testing
- Integrate glucose results into the patient’s overall care plan for diabetes or metabolic management
By centralizing lab ordering, tracking, and documentation, OptiMantra helps practices maintain accurate records, streamline workflows, and ensure proper reimbursement for blood glucose testing.
Try OptiMantra for free here!
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