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CPT 82947: Quantitative Blood Glucose Test (Non‑Reagent Strip)
CPT code 82947 designates a quantitative blood glucose test performed by laboratory personnel using methods other than reagent strips. This code covers standard clinical chemistry assays used for diagnosis, monitoring, and management of glycemic status. It is commonly billed when point-of-care reagent strip methods are not used or when laboratory-based precision is required. Nationally, accurate classification of glucose testing procedures affects clinical workflows, claims adjudication, and laboratory billing consistency across settings. Major payers in scope include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, United Healthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise explanation of the clinical context for 82947, comparisons to closely related glucose testing codes, and the typical sites where this service is delivered. The publication also outlines payer coverage considerations and coding relationships to help billing professionals and clinicians understand when to use this code versus alternative glucose test codes. Data not available in the input for certain operational benchmarks is noted where applicable.
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Billing Code Overview
CPT code 82947 describes a laboratory procedure in which a laboratory analyst measures the glucose concentration in a patient’s blood using a method other than a reagent strip. This service is a clinical chemistry test that quantifies blood glucose for diagnostic or monitoring purposes.
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Service type: Laboratory test — quantitative blood glucose measurement (non–reagent strip method)
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Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory (ambulatory clinic collection with laboratory analysis)
National Reimbursement Benchmarks
Commercial reimbursement for CPT 82947 centers around a BUCA mean of $8.9, indicating a mid-range commercial average for this chemistry panel. Blue Cross Blue Shield shows the highest central tendency with a median of $9 and a relatively wide upper tail to a $64.2 maximum; Aetna and Cigna sit lower with medians at $4 and $4.6 respectively, while UnitedHealth Group’s median of $3.9 aligns closely with Cigna. Overall commercial averages congregate in the $4–$12 area, with BUCA at $8.9 serving as a useful midpoint reference.
Rate dispersion, measured as P75 minus P25, is narrowest for UnitedHealth Group (P75 $4.70 minus P25 $2.40 = $2.30) and Cigna (P75 $5.60 minus P25 $3.10 = $2.50), indicating tighter negotiated bands. The widest dispersion appears with Blue Cross Blue Shield (P75 $13.70 minus P25 $6.80 = $6.90) and Aetna (P75 $7.20 minus P25 $3.00 = $4.20), suggesting greater variability in commercial contract outcomes across markets.