82950

Glucose; post glucose dose (includes glucose)

CPT code 82950 describes a clinical laboratory test designed to measure the blood glucose level following a specific oral glucose challenge. This procedure is frequently utilized in clinical settings to evaluate an individual's glycemic response to a carbohydrate load, serving as a primary diagnostic tool for metabolic disorders including diabetes mellitus, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes. Unlike a simple fasting glucose test, the post-glucose dose test assesses how effectively the body secretes and utilizes insulin to manage an exogenous spike in blood sugar. The test typically involves the patient consuming a standardized glucose solution, often containing 50 grams, 75 grams, or 100 grams of glucose, depending on the clinical suspicion or screening protocol being followed. After a specific timeframe—most commonly one hour or two hours post-ingestion—a venous blood sample is collected to determine the concentration of glucose in the plasma or serum. This quantitative measurement helps clinicians identify impaired glucose tolerance or insulin resistance. In the context of pregnancy, code 82950 is frequently used for the initial screening phase of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), often referred to as the glucose challenge test (GCT). If the resulting glucose level exceeds certain thresholds, further diagnostic testing such as a full glucose tolerance test (82951) may be indicated. Proper interpretation of the 82950 result requires consideration of the patient's baseline health, dietary preparation, and the specific timing of the blood draw relative to the glucose load administration. The procedure provides critical data on the body's dynamic metabolic response that a static fasting test cannot provide.

Clinical Indications

  • Screening for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during pregnancy
  • Evaluation of suspected Type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients with risk factors
  • Assessment of impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes)
  • Investigation of reactive hypoglycemia or postprandial symptoms
  • Monitoring patients with metabolic syndrome or high insulin resistance
  • Screening high-risk individuals for glucose intolerance following a non-diagnostic fasting glucose
  • Part of a workup for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Procedure Steps

  1. Verify patient identity and confirm adherence to pre-test instructions, such as fasting status if required.
  2. Administer a standardized oral glucose load, typically 50g, 75g, or 100g of glucose solution.
  3. Record the exact time the patient completes the ingestion of the glucose load.
  4. Monitor the patient for the duration of the waiting period (e.g., 1 hour), ensuring they remain at rest and do not consume other calories.
  5. Perform a venous blood draw at the specific designated interval post-ingestion.
  6. Label the specimen with the collection time relative to the glucose dose.
  7. Process the blood sample in the laboratory using automated quantitative enzymatic methods (e.g., glucose oxidase or hexokinase).
  8. Report the glucose concentration in mg/dL or mmol/L.

Coding Guidelines

  • CPT 82950 includes the measurement of glucose; do not report 82947 (fasting glucose) for the same specimen.
  • If a fasting glucose is performed at the same encounter as a post-glucose dose test, report both 82947 and 82950 only if they represent distinct clinical specimens (e.g., baseline and 1-hour).
  • For a formal glucose tolerance test (GTT) involving three specimens (usually fasting, 1-hour, and 2-hour), use 82951 instead of 82950.
  • Each additional specimen beyond three in a GTT should be reported using add-on code 82952.
  • Do not use 82950 for home glucose monitoring or finger-stick tests performed by the patient.
  • Check payer-specific policies for medical necessity requirements when using 82950 for screening purposes.

Associated ICD-10 Codes