Summary & Overview
CPT 82947: Quantitative Blood Glucose Test (Non-Reagent Strip)
CPT code 82947 represents a quantitative blood glucose test performed on a blood sample, excluding tests using reagent strips. This laboratory procedure is a cornerstone in the diagnosis and management of diabetes and other metabolic disorders, making it highly relevant across the United States. The code is commonly utilized in office-based settings and is recognized by major national payers, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, and UnitedHealthcare.
This publication provides a comprehensive overview of 82947, covering payer coverage, clinical context, and related billing considerations. Readers will gain insight into the typical use of this code, associated modifiers, and relevant taxonomies for laboratory and physician services. The summary also highlights related CPT codes and the primary ICD-10 diagnosis used for diabetes screening. Policy updates and benchmarks are discussed to inform stakeholders about current trends and requirements for laboratory glucose testing. The information is designed to support healthcare professionals, administrators, and policy analysts in understanding the national landscape for quantitative blood glucose testing.
CPT Code Overview
CPT code 82947 is used to report a quantitative blood glucose test, excluding tests performed with a reagent strip. This procedure falls under Chemistry Procedures within the Pathology/Laboratory service category. The test is typically performed in an office setting (Place of Service 11), where blood samples are collected and analyzed to determine glucose levels. This code is essential for monitoring and diagnosing conditions related to blood sugar, such as diabetes, and is a routine laboratory service in clinical practice.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A patient presents to a family medicine or internal medicine office for a routine screening for diabetes mellitus. As part of the visit, the provider orders a quantitative blood glucose test, performed using a method other than a reagent strip. The blood sample is collected in the office (Place of Service 11) and sent to a clinical medical laboratory for analysis. The result assists in evaluating the patient's risk for diabetes or monitoring glucose levels as part of ongoing care.
Coding Specifications
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Modifiers:
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Modifier
90: Reference (Outside) Laboratory. Used when the laboratory test is performed by an outside laboratory rather than in the provider's office. -
Modifier
91: Repeat Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Test. Used when the same laboratory test is repeated on the same patient on the same day to obtain multiple results.
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Provider Taxonomies:
Taxonomy Code Specialty Name 291U00000XClinical Medical Laboratory 207Q00000XFamily Medicine Physician 207R00000XInternal Medicine Physician
Related Diagnoses
Z13.1- Encounter for screening for diabetes mellitus- This code is used when the patient is being screened for diabetes, which is clinically relevant to the quantitative blood glucose test (
82947) as it helps identify individuals at risk or in early stages of diabetes.
- This code is used when the patient is being screened for diabetes, which is clinically relevant to the quantitative blood glucose test (
Related CPT Codes
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82948- Glucose; blood, reagent strip- Used for glucose testing with a reagent strip, often as a point-of-care test. Alternative to
82947when reagent strip is used.
- Used for glucose testing with a reagent strip, often as a point-of-care test. Alternative to
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82950- Glucose test- General glucose test, may be used in different clinical scenarios. Sometimes used together with
82947for comprehensive glucose assessment.
- General glucose test, may be used in different clinical scenarios. Sometimes used together with
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82951- Glucose tolerance test- Used for evaluating glucose tolerance, typically in cases where diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance is suspected. May be ordered in addition to
82947for further diagnostic workup.
- Used for evaluating glucose tolerance, typically in cases where diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance is suspected. May be ordered in addition to
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83036- Glycosylated hemoglobin test- Measures long-term glucose control (HbA1c). Commonly used alongside
82947for diabetes screening and monitoring.
- Measures long-term glucose control (HbA1c). Commonly used alongside
National Reimbursement Benchmarks
For CPT code 82947, the national mean rate for BUCA (average commercial) is $4.83, which is higher than the typical Medicare rate for this code. Among individual commercial payers, Cigna has the highest mean rate at $6.45, while UnitedHealth Group is the lowest at $4.05.
Rate dispersion, measured by the difference between the 75th and 25th percentiles, varies across payers. UnitedHealth Group shows the tightest range ($2.00), indicating less variability in rates, while Cigna has the widest range ($2.00), reflecting greater variability. Aetna and BUCA also display moderate dispersion, with ranges of $2.40 and $1.89, respectively.
The table and chart below present a detailed breakdown of national mean rates and percentile values for each payer.
Trek Health ingests and normalizes Transparency in Coverage data and payer policy updates to give provider organizations a clear view of how commercial reimbursement behaves across markets, payers, and services. Our platform transforms raw payer disclosures into structured intelligence that supports contract evaluation, payer negotiations, and service line strategy. By combining market benchmarks with ongoing policy visibility, Trek helps teams identify variability, risk, and opportunity in commercial reimbursement. The result is faster insight, stronger negotiating positions, and more informed financial decisions.