CPT® Code 82150 is used to report quantitative measurement of amylase in blood or urine, an enzyme primarily produced by the pancreas and salivary glands. Amylase testing helps providers diagnose and monitor conditions such as pancreatitis, pancreatic injury, or salivary gland disorders.
This code represents the laboratory test itself, not specimen collection, interpretation, or evaluation and management services, which may be billed separately.
Key Facts About CPT® 82150
- Service type: Laboratory blood or urine test
- Provider type: Physicians, clinics, and qualified laboratories
- Medical services included: Yes—quantitative amylase measurement
- Specimen type: Serum, plasma, or urine
- Common clinical indications:
- Acute or chronic pancreatitis
- Pancreatic injury or obstruction
- Salivary gland inflammation (e.g., mumps, sialadenitis)
- Monitoring post-operative pancreatic function
- Evaluation of unexplained abdominal pain
When to Use CPT® 82150
CPT 82150 is appropriate when:
- A quantitative amylase test is required for diagnosis or monitoring
- The test is medically necessary to assess pancreatic or salivary gland function
- Specimens include blood or urine
- Distinct from other pancreatic or hepatic enzyme tests
Examples:
- Measuring serum amylase in a patient presenting with acute abdominal pain and suspected pancreatitis
- Monitoring pancreatic enzyme levels after pancreatic surgery
- Evaluating a patient with swelling and pain of the salivary glands
Documentation Requirements
To support CPT 82150 billing, documentation should include:
- Patient identifiers and date of service
- Clinical indication for amylase testing
- Specimen type and collection site
- Test performed (quantitative amylase)
- Test result and date reported
- Ordering provider information
Thorough documentation ensures compliance, supports reimbursement, and guides clinical care.
Reimbursement and Coding Considerations
- CPT 82150 is generally covered by commercial insurers and Medicare when medically necessary
- Often ordered alongside other pancreatic or hepatic enzyme tests (e.g., lipase, AST, ALT)
- Specimen collection may be billed separately if allowed by payer
- Frequency limitations may apply depending on payer policy
- Diagnosis coding should support abdominal pain, pancreatitis, or related conditions
How OptiMantra Supports Amylase Testing
OptiMantra’s integrated EMR and practice management system streamlines documentation and billing for CPT 82150:
With OptiMantra, providers can:
- Order and document amylase tests directly in the patient chart
- Track serial enzyme levels for monitoring pancreatic or salivary disorders
- Link results to diagnoses, treatment plans, and follow-up recommendations
- Generate compliant, audit-ready laboratory billing codes
- Maintain longitudinal lab records for comprehensive patient care
By centralizing laboratory workflows, OptiMantra helps practices improve efficiency, ensure compliance, and optimize reimbursement for enzyme testing.
Try OptiMantra for free here!
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