Summary & Overview
CPT 82274: Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
CPT code 82274 identifies the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), an immunoassay used to detect occult blood in stool specimens. FIT is a widely used, noninvasive screening tool for colorectal bleeding and colorectal cancer screening programs. Nationally, FIT is important because it supports population-level screening, early detection of colorectal pathology, and can reduce the need for more invasive diagnostic procedures when negative.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Coverage policies and reimbursement rates for laboratory services such as FIT influence screening access, clinical workflow for specimen collection (home collection versus in-office), and lab billing practices across payers.
This publication summarizes clinical context, service and site of service considerations, and payer coverage landscape. Readers will find concise benchmarks for typical use of FIT, guidance on where the service is commonly provided, and a synthesis of payer approaches and policy updates affecting lab reimbursement and access. The report focuses on national-level implications for clinicians, laboratories, and billing teams. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 82274 describes an immunoassay test for fecal occult blood, commonly known as a fecal immunochemical test (FIT). The method detects hidden blood in a fecal specimen using an immunoassay technique applied to samples collected by the patient from up to three consecutive bowel movements or obtained by a clinician during an exam.
Service type: Laboratory diagnostic test — fecal immunochemical testing (FIT)
Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or outpatient clinic where specimens are analyzed; specimens may be collected at home by the patient or acquired in a clinician office during a digital rectal exam.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 58-year-old average-risk adult presents to a primary care clinic for routine colorectal cancer screening. The clinician provides a fecal immunochemical test kit and instructions for the patient to collect a small stool sample from a single bowel movement (or up to three consecutive bowel movements depending on kit), then return the specimen to the office or laboratory. The lab analyst performs an immunoassay to detect occult (hidden) human hemoglobin in the fecal specimen. Results are reported as positive or negative; a positive result prompts referral for colonoscopy. Typical workflow: clinician orders 82274 on the lab requisition, patient collects specimen at home or stool may be obtained during an in-office digital rectal exam, specimen is transported to the lab, the laboratory performs the FIT immunoassay, documents results in the electronic medical record, and the ordering clinician acts on the result per screening or diagnostic pathways.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | No modifier | General placeholder; rarely used on claims |
11 | Office/Outpatient E/M service |