2025 CPT code 82681
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Laboratory - Chemistry Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Procedures Feed
Direct measurement of free estradiol in serum or other specified specimen.
Modifiers may apply based on the specific circumstances of service, such as the place of service or the use of a technical component.Refer to the CPT codebook and payer guidelines for applicable modifiers.
Medical necessity for this test is established by the ordering physician based on clinical findings suggesting the need to assess free estradiol levels.Conditions such as infertility, menopausal symptoms, and hormonal imbalances in males can justify the ordering of this test.
The clinical laboratory performs the analysis. The ordering physician is responsible for medical decision-making based on the results. Specimen collection may be performed by a separate provider.
In simple words: This lab test measures the amount of free estradiol in your blood.Free estradiol is the part of the hormone estradiol that isn't attached to other proteins. This test is more accurate at determining how your body uses estradiol and can be helpful in managing conditions related to hormones.
This CPT code encompasses the analytical process of quantitatively measuring free estradiol (the portion of estradiol not bound to proteins) in a patient specimen, typically serum.The methodology may involve techniques like equilibrium dialysis followed by quantification methods such as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This test differentiates from total estradiol measurements (CPT 82670) and provides a more biologically relevant assessment of estradiol's impact due to its higher bioactivity compared to bound estradiol.
Example 1: A 35-year-old female patient is undergoing infertility treatment (in vitro fertilization).Free estradiol testing is ordered to monitor ovarian response to stimulation medications., A 48-year-old female patient presents with symptoms suggestive of menopause.Free estradiol levels are measured to assess hormone status and guide hormone replacement therapy decisions., A 28-year-old male patient presents with gynecomastia (breast enlargement). Free estradiol testing is used to evaluate potential hormonal imbalances that might contribute to the condition.
* Patient demographics (age, sex).* Reason for ordering the test (clinical indication).* Specimen collection date and time.* Specimen type (serum).* Laboratory report with quantitative free estradiol result.
** The free estradiol assay may use various methods beyond equilibrium dialysis, including High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), ensuring the correct methodology is documented.
- Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE))
- RVU: The relative value units (RVUs) for this code will vary based on geographic location, payer, and other factors.Consult your specific payer's fee schedule for current RVU values.
- Global Days: Not applicable. This is a laboratory test and does not have a global period.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: No TC modifier is applicable. This is a professional component only. However, separate codes for the technical component of the test may exist depending on the lab.
- Fee Schedule: Fee schedules vary by payer and geographic location.Consult your payer's fee schedule for historical and current reimbursement rates.Data is not readily available in the provided sources.
- Specialties:Endocrinology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Infertility specialists, Urology
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital outpatient, Laboratory