Summary & Overview
CPT 82024: Quantitative Corticotropin (ACTH) Assay
CPT code 82024 denotes a quantitative laboratory assay for corticotropin (ACTH), a hormone measured to evaluate adrenal and pituitary function. This test is clinically important for distinguishing primary adrenal insufficiency from secondary causes and for diagnosing hormone-dependent disorders that affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. As a widely used endocrine diagnostic, it is performed in clinical and hospital laboratory settings and factors into diagnostic panels for adrenal and thyroid-related disease.
Key payers considered in this national overview include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise account of what the code represents, the clinical context for ordering the assay, typical sites of service, and how the test relates to common endocrine diagnostic workflows. The publication also reviews related laboratory assays and codes for clinicians and billing personnel to reference, and it summarizes payer coverage scope and common billing considerations for lab-based hormone testing.
This executive summary provides clinicians, billing staff, and policy analysts with a clear description of CPT code 82024, the clinical scenarios where the test is applicable, and the national payer landscape covered in the analysis. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable in supporting sections.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 82024 is a quantitative assay for corticotropin (ACTH) measured by a laboratory analyst to assist in the evaluation of hormone-dependent conditions. The test aids in differentiating primary versus secondary adrenal insufficiency and supports diagnostic workups for disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
Service Type: Laboratory diagnostic test (quantitative hormone assay)
Typical Site of Service: Clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 46-year-old patient presents to a primary care clinic with progressive fatigue, weight loss, and orthostatic lightheadedness. The clinician documents concern for adrenal insufficiency after routine labs show hyponatremia and low morning cortisol. The clinician orders a quantitative plasma assay for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH, also known as corticotropin) to distinguish primary (adrenal) versus secondary (pituitary) causes of adrenal insufficiency. Blood is collected in an EDTA tube and promptly placed on ice per lab protocol, then transported to the Clinical Medical Laboratory for processing. The laboratory analyst performs the 82024 quantitative ACTH measurement using an immunoassay platform. Results are reported to the ordering Family Medicine physician and added to the patient’s electronic medical record. Abnormal ACTH in combination with cortisol results and clinical findings guides further endocrine evaluation, additional testing, or referral to an Internal Medicine/Endocrinology specialist.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | When billing for the laboratory professional interpretation portion separately from the technical component |
59 | Distinct procedural service | When this assay is a separately identifiable service from other performed tests |
90 | Reference (outside) laboratory | When the test is performed by an outside/reference laboratory and the submitting lab bills only as a pass-through |
91 | Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test | When the exact same ACTH quantitative test is repeated on the same day for follow-up/verification |
52 | Reduced services | When test is partially performed or substantially reduced in scope |
53 | Discontinued procedure | If specimen collection or assay was started but discontinued for valid clinical reasons |
22 | Increased procedural services | For unusually complex laboratory testing or reporting requiring significantly greater resources |
26 | Professional component | When the ordering facility bills only the professional component (duplicate entry to reflect clinical relevance) |
TC | Technical component | When billing only for the laboratory technical component (equipment/reagents/processing) |
QW | CLIA waived test | If the specific method is a waived test under CLIA (rare for quantitative ACTH) |
| Taxonomy Code | Specialty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
291U00000X | Clinical Medical Laboratory | Laboratory analysts and medical laboratory scientists who perform the ACTH assay and report results |
207Q00000X | Family Medicine Physician | Ordering clinician managing initial evaluation and follow-up care |
207R00000X | Internal Medicine Physician | Ordering clinician or consultant for complex endocrine evaluation |
Related Diagnoses
| ICD-10 Code | Description | Clinical Relevance |
|---|---|---|
E03.9 | Hypothyroidism, unspecified | Thyroid dysfunction can present with fatigue and metabolic changes; thyroid evaluation often occurs alongside endocrine testing |
E05.90 | Thyrotoxicosis, unspecified without thyrotoxic crisis or storm | Hyperthyroid states may present with symptoms overlapping adrenal disorders; thyroid testing is commonly ordered concurrently |
E06.3 | Autoimmune thyroiditis | Autoimmune endocrine disease may coexist with other autoimmune causes of adrenal insufficiency; relevant to comprehensive endocrine assessment |
E07.9 | Disorder of thyroid, unspecified | Non-specific thyroid disorders noted during evaluation for systemic symptoms |
R94.6 | Abnormal results of thyroid function studies | Trigger for further endocrine evaluation including both thyroid and adrenal axis testing |
Related CPT Codes
| CPT Code | Description | Relationship to This Procedure |
|---|---|---|
84443 | Assay of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) | Commonly ordered alongside ACTH testing when evaluating endocrine causes of fatigue and metabolic symptoms |
84436 | Assay of free thyroxine (T4) | Performed with TSH to assess thyroid function as part of broader endocrine workup |
84439 | Assay of free triiodothyronine (T3) | Added when hyperthyroidism or discordant thyroid function tests are suspected |
84480 | Assay of thyroglobulin | Used in follow-up of thyroid disease and may be ordered in patients with thyroid surgery or neoplasm history |