Medical tests often come with unfamiliar names and even more unfamiliar billing codes. For many patients, seeing a code like CPT 82274 on a medical bill or insurance explanation of benefits (EOB) can feel confusing or impersonal. What was the test? Why was it ordered? And what does it actually look for?
CPT Code 82274 is associated with a common and important laboratory test used in preventive care and diagnostic evaluations. Understanding what this code represents can help patients feel more informed, help providers communicate more clearly, and help billing teams ensure accuracy. Our team at Healthsure Hub explains CPT 82274 in plain language, without unnecessary medical jargon.
What Is CPT Code 82274?
CPT Code 82274 refers to a laboratory test known as a fecal immunochemical test (FIT). This test is designed to detect hidden (occult) blood in stool using immunochemical methods.
Unlike older stool blood tests, CPT 82274 focuses specifically on human hemoglobin, the protein found in red blood cells. Because of this specificity, the test is widely used in both preventive screening and diagnostic evaluations.
In simple terms, the 82274 CPT represents a test that checks whether there is blood in the stool that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
What Does CPT Code 82274 Refer To in Clinical Care?
Clinically, CPT 82274 is used to support early detection and evaluation of gastrointestinal conditions. Blood in the stool, even when invisible, can be an important sign that something in the digestive tract may need further evaluation.
This test does not diagnose a specific condition on its own. Instead, it helps healthcare providers decide whether additional testing or follow-up may be appropriate. Because it is non-invasive and easy to complete, it is often used as a first step in assessment or screening.
Common Conditions and Situations Where CPT 82274 Is Used
CPT 82274 is commonly ordered in several medical contexts. Below are some of the most frequent and appropriate scenarios where this code appears.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
One of the most common uses of CPT Code 82274 is routine colorectal cancer screening in adults who are considered at average risk. For some patients, this test is used as an alternative to more invasive screening methods, especially when completed on a regular schedule as recommended by a healthcare provider.
When a healthcare provider recommends colorectal cancer screening using a stool-based test, the patient is given a FIT kit to collect a stool sample at home. Once the sample is returned and processed by the laboratory, CPT 82274 is submitted to represent the immunochemical testing performed on that specimen.
Importantly, the code does not represent:
- A diagnosis of colorectal cancer
- A colonoscopy or imaging procedure
- A treatment decision
Instead, CPT 82274 simply reflects that the lab performed a screening test to detect hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early indicator that further evaluation may be appropriate.
Evaluation of Gastrointestinal Bleeding
When a healthcare provider suspects gastrointestinal bleeding that is not visibly apparent, CPT Code 82274 is used to bill for the laboratory testing that checks for occult (hidden) blood in the stool.
In this scenario, the test is ordered because other findings—such as unexplained anemia, low iron levels, or abnormal blood counts—suggest that blood loss may be occurring somewhere in the digestive tract. After the patient submits a stool sample, the laboratory performs immunochemical analysis, and CPT Code 82274 is reported to represent that testing service.
Here, the code reflects a diagnostic evaluation, not routine screening. The same laboratory test is used, but it is paired with diagnosis codes that describe the suspected condition rather than a preventive screening encounter.
Assessment of Chronic Digestive Symptoms
For patients with persistent digestive symptoms, CPT Code 82274 is used as part of a broader diagnostic workup to help rule in or rule out possible causes.
Symptoms such as ongoing abdominal discomfort, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained digestive issues may prompt a provider to order stool testing. In these cases, the 82274 CPT is submitted to indicate that the laboratory analyzed the stool sample for hidden blood, which can provide useful clinical information even when no visible bleeding is present.
The test does not diagnose the cause of symptoms on its own. Instead, the results help guide next steps, such as whether additional testing or specialist referral may be needed.
Monitoring Certain Inflammatory Conditions
In patients with known or suspected inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract, CPT Code 82274 may be used to monitor for signs of ongoing or intermittent bleeding.
Inflammation in the gastrointestinal system can sometimes lead to small amounts of blood loss that are not noticeable to the patient. When stool testing is ordered in this context, CPT 82274 represents the laboratory’s immunochemical analysis of the sample, performed alongside other tests and clinical assessments.
How CPT Code 82274 Differs From Older Stool Tests
CPT Code 82274 represents a newer generation of stool testing compared to older guaiac-based fecal occult blood tests.
Key differences include:
- Greater specificity for human blood
- Fewer false positives related to diet
- No need for dietary restrictions before testing
- Improved ease of use for patients
These advantages are why many healthcare providers now prefer tests billed under CPT Code 82274.
CPT Code 82274 and Preventive Care
CPT 82274 plays an important role in preventive healthcare. Regular screening using stool-based tests has been shown to support early identification of potential issues, often before symptoms develop.
For many patients, this test is part of a routine wellness plan and may be covered differently by insurance when used for preventive purposes versus diagnostic evaluation. Preventive testing not only supports better health outcomes but also contributes to a clearer medical history, which can be relevant in broader financial planning decisions such as life insurance considerations later in life.
Billing and Insurance Considerations
When CPT Code 82274 appears on a bill or EOB, it reflects the laboratory processing of the test—not a diagnosis.
Coverage can vary depending on:
- Whether the test was ordered for screening or diagnostic reasons
- The patient’s insurance plan
- Frequency of testing
Patients with questions about coverage or cost are encouraged to review their insurance benefits or contact their provider for clarification.
Conclusion
CPT Code 82274 represents a widely used, non-invasive laboratory test that helps detect hidden blood in stool. Whether used for screening or evaluation, it supports informed clinical decision-making and early identification of potential concerns.
Knowing what this code means empowers patients, supports clear communication, and reinforces the importance of preventive care in everyday healthcare.
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