Summary & Overview
CPT 82150: Quantitative Amylase Measurement in Serum or Urine
CPT code 82150 represents a quantitative laboratory assay for amylase, most often performed on serum or urine to assess pancreatic and salivary gland function. This test is commonly ordered in acute abdominal presentations, suspected pancreatitis, and some salivary gland disorders. As a widely used clinical chemistry test, its proper coding and billing affect inpatient and outpatient laboratory workflows and national utilization patterns.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication provides a national perspective on coding and utilization benchmarks, typical sites of service, clinical context for ordering the test, and payer considerations relevant to coverage and claims processing.
Readers will learn what CPT code 82150 denotes, the clinical situations in which the amylase assay is used, where the test is typically performed, and which major payers are included in the overview. The report also outlines expected elements for laboratory reporting and billing, and identifies where input data were not available. Data not available in the input: associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, related codes, and service line specifics.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 82150 describes a quantitative measurement of amylase, typically performed on serum or urine specimens. The test measures the enzyme amylase, which is primarily produced by the pancreas and also by the salivary glands, and is used in clinical evaluation of conditions such as pancreatitis and certain salivary gland disorders.
Service Type: Clinical laboratory test — quantitative enzymatic assay
Typical Site of Service: Clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory, with specimens collected in outpatient clinics, emergency departments, or inpatient settings as clinically indicated.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 42-year-old patient presents to the emergency department with acute upper abdominal pain radiating to the back, nausea, and vomiting. Vital signs show low-grade fever and tachycardia. The emergency physician orders laboratory tests including a quantitative serum amylase measurement to evaluate for possible acute pancreatitis and to help differentiate pancreatic from other abdominal pathology. A phlebotomist draws a serum sample; the specimen is transported to the hospital clinical chemistry laboratory. The laboratory analyst performs 82150 (quantitative amylase) on the serum, documents the result in the laboratory information system, and the result is reported to the ordering clinician. Typical site of service: hospital inpatient or outpatient laboratory, emergency department, or independent clinical laboratory. Service type: routine clinical chemistry/diagnostic laboratory assay.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the professional interpretation/analysis portion separate from the technical component. |
TC | Technical component |