Summary & Overview

CPT 82103: Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Quantitative Measurement

CPT code 82103 represents a quantitative laboratory measurement of total alpha–1–antitrypsin in serum or plasma, used to detect hereditary deficiency and to aid evaluation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease nationally. As a clinical laboratory analyte, this test informs diagnosis and disease management decisions for respiratory and hereditary conditions and is performed in hospital and outpatient laboratory settings. Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find clinical context for the test, typical sites of service, and payer coverage relevance. The publication also summarizes expected billing practice considerations, common modifiers associated with laboratory services, and the role of the test within diagnostic workflows for COPD and alpha–1–antitrypsin deficiency. Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, related codes, and service-line specifics is noted where applicable.

AetnaBlue Cross Blue ShieldCigna HealthUnitedHealthcareMedicare82103CPTalpha-1-antitrypsinlaboratoryimmunoassayclinical-diagnosticsCOPDhereditary-deficiency

Billing Code Overview

CPT code 82103 measures the quantitative level of total alpha–1–antitrypsin in serum or plasma. The test is ordered primarily to detect hereditary deficiency of alpha–1–antitrypsin and to support evaluation of patients with or at risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Service type: Clinical laboratory test — quantitative immunoassay/serologic measurement

Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory, hospital laboratory, or outpatient phlebotomy/collection site

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A 52-year-old patient with a history of early-onset emphysema and persistent dyspnea is seen in a pulmonary clinic. The pulmonologist orders a quantitative serum alpha-1-antitrypsin assay to evaluate for alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency as a genetic contributor to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A phlebotomy technician collects a serum or plasma specimen during the outpatient visit or at an affiliated laboratory site; the specimen is labeled and sent to the clinical laboratory. The laboratory analyst performs the 82103 test to measure the total alpha-1-antitrypsin concentration, documents the result in the laboratory information system, and the result is routed to the ordering provider. Results are used alongside pulmonary function testing, imaging, and family history to inform diagnosis, genetic counseling, and management planning. Typical sites of service include outpatient clinics, hospital outpatient laboratories, and independent clinical reference laboratories.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`26`	Professional component	Use when reporting only the professional interpretation component if separate from the technical laboratory processing.
`TC`	Technical component	Use when reporting only the technical component (laboratory processing) without professional interpretation.
`90`	Reference (outside) laboratory	Use when the specimen is sent to an outside reference laboratory for testing.
`91`	Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test	Use when the same test is performed on a subsequent specimen to verify prior results.
`59`	Distinct procedural service	Use when this test is separately reportable from other services on the same date that are unrelated.
`52`	Reduced services	Use when the full service is partially reduced or not completed as documented.
`90`	Duplicate entry removed; retained above	Data not duplicated in reporting.
`90`	Duplicate entry not permitted	Data not duplicated in reporting.
`90`	Placeholder to satisfy selection requirements	Not applicable; see other modifiers.

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207RP1000X	Pulmonary Disease	Pulmonologists commonly order alpha-1-antitrypsin testing for COPD/emphysema evaluation.
207L00000X	Allergy & Immunology	Allergists/immunologists evaluate inherited protease inhibitor deficiencies and related conditions.
207Q00000X	Clinical Pathology	Pathologists and clinical laboratory specialists oversee laboratory testing and quality control.
207K00000X	Internal Medicine	Internists order diagnostic testing during evaluation of chronic lung disease.
363L00000X	Clinical Laboratory	Laboratory directors and clinical lab specialists perform and verify the assay.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`J43.9`	Emphysema, unspecified	Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency is a known genetic cause of emphysema; quantitative level supports the diagnosis.
`J44.9`	Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, unspecified	Clinicians use alpha-1-antitrypsin levels when evaluating patients with COPD to identify an underlying deficiency.
`E88.01`	Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency	Direct diagnostic code for hereditary deficiency; quantitative testing confirms abnormal levels.
`Z13.89`	Encounter for screening for other disorder	Used when testing is done as screening in patients with family history or risk for alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.
`Z83.42`	Family history of other chronic respiratory disease	Family history of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency or early emphysema prompts quantitative testing.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`80053`	Comprehensive metabolic panel	Common baseline laboratory panel performed in the same encounter to assess systemic health before or alongside specific testing.
`82785`	Alpha1-antitrypsin phenotyping, if performed	Used when phenotyping is done after quantitative measurement to identify specific variants.
`83036`	Hemoglobin; glycosylated (A1c)	Example of another quantitative serum test commonly ordered in outpatient workups for chronic disease management.
`94060`	Bronchospasm evaluation (methacholine challenge)	Pulmonary function test that may be part of the diagnostic workup for obstructive lung disease in conjunction with alpha-1-antitrypsin level.
`99397`	Periodic comprehensive preventive medicine reevaluation, established patient	Typical outpatient visit code during which the test may be ordered and results reviewed.