CPT 82542 Fee Schedule
Healthcare providers use this code to document and receive reimbursement for visits that address moderate-level medical decision-making, often including multiple diagnoses or prescription management.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Pathology and Laboratory Procedures Chemistry Procedures |
| Common Place of Service | 81 - Independent Laboratory 11 - Office |
| Common Modifiers | None 59 - Distinct Procedural Service 90 - Reference Laboratory |
| Complexity Level | Low |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | View Medicare rates for 82542 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | View Medicaid rates for 82542 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 82542 by major payers:

$18.42

$14.58

$24.40

$34.28
CPT 82542 vs. Other Chemistry Procedures Codes
The CPT 82542 code is part of the Pathology and Laboratory Procedures services used for Chemistry Procedures. It represents a moderate-complexity encounter and is one of several codes that vary based on time spent, level of medical decision-making, and documentation requirements.
The CPT 82542 code involves more provider time and moderate medical decision-making, unlike lower-level codes that require less time and simpler assessments. It typically includes multiple diagnoses, medication management, or test interpretation, leading to higher reimbursement and more detailed documentation requirements.
| Code | Complexity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 82523-CPT | Low | Collagen Cross-Link Test, This Test Evaluates Collagen For Cross-Links. This Indicates The Health Of Bone Structure And Bone Creation. It Is Related To Parathyroid Gland Function And Osteoporosis. |
| 82540-CPT | Low | Creatine Amino Acid Test, This Amino Acid Test Measures The Amount Of Creatine In A Blood Or Urine Sample. Creatine Is Responsible For Supplying Energy To Muscle Cells. The Purpose Of The Test Is To See If Either Muscle Tissue Or Red Blood Cells Are Breaking Down Prematurely. |
| 82542-CPT | Low | Col Chromotography Qual Quan, Column Chromatography Includes Mass Spectrometry If Performed Eg Hplc Lc Lc Ms Lc Ms Ms Gc Gc Ms Ms Gc Ms Hplc Ms Non Drug Analyte S Not Elsewhere Specified Qualitative Or Quantitative Each Specimen |
| 82608-CPT | Low | Test Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency, This Blood Test Checks For Deficiencies Of Vitamin B12 Which Plays An Important Role In Digestion Healthy Nerves And Growth Of Red Blood Cells. |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 82542. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 82542 fee schedule helps patients estimate costs and providers optimize billing for accurate reimbursements.
Factors that affect fee schedules
Medicare & Medicaid Rates
Government-set reimbursement amounts
Private Insurance Rates
Negotiated rates between providers and insurance companies
Geographic Location
Costs may be higher in urban areas.
Provider Type
Hospital providers may have different rates than private practice.
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