CPT 82088: Aldosterone Quantitative Assay, Serum/Plasma/Urine

CPT code 82088 represents a quantitative aldosterone assay used to measure circulating or urinary aldosterone levels for the evaluation of suspected primary or secondary hyperaldosteronism. The test provides clinically actionable information about mineralocorticoid activity and electrolyte regulation, and it is widely used in endocrinology, nephrology, and general medicine. Nationally, aldosterone testing is important for diagnosing causes of hypertension and hypokalemia that may be surgically or medically treatable.

Key payers included in this analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, United Healthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical indications and the typical laboratory service setting, plus comparisons to commonly ordered laboratory panels and related chemistry tests. The publication also summarizes coverage considerations, common billing practices, and relevant code groupings for lab service lines to aid billing staff and clinical program managers. Clinical context emphasizes when an aldosterone measurement is indicated and how it fits with metabolic and endocrine evaluation pathways.

This resource is written for a national audience of clinicians, laboratory directors, and revenue cycle professionals seeking a clear, practical reference for CPT code 82088 and its role in endocrine and renal diagnostic workups.

Billing Code Overview

CPT code 82088 describes a quantitative measurement of aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that regulates sodium, water retention, and potassium excretion. The test is performed on serum, plasma, or urine and is ordered primarily to aid in the evaluation and determination of primary or secondary hyperaldosteronism.

Service type: Clinical laboratory diagnostic test — quantitative hormone assay

Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory; outpatient phlebotomy or ambulatory lab collection services

Clinical Context

A 52-year-old patient with treatment-resistant hypertension and unexplained hypokalemia is referred by an internal medicine physician for endocrine evaluation. The clinician suspects primary hyperaldosteronism due to persistent elevated blood pressure despite three antihypertensive agents and low serum potassium on prior basic metabolic testing. The provider orders a quantitative aldosterone measurement to determine circulating aldosterone levels, typically on a morning serum sample after appropriate medication adjustments or posture/sodium preparation per local protocol. The specimen is collected in an ambulatory laboratory or hospital phlebotomy station and sent to the clinical medical laboratory for analysis. Results are reviewed by the ordering clinician (family medicine or internal medicine) and interpreted alongside plasma renin activity or direct renin concentration and other metabolic lab tests to establish a diagnosis and guide further imaging or referral to endocrinology.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`26`	Professional component	Use when billing only the professional interpretation component if applicable for lab testing with separate professional fee.
`90`	Reference (outside) laboratory

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
`291U00000X`	Clinical Medical Laboratory	Laboratory performing specimen analysis and reporting quantitative aldosterone.
`207Q00000X`	Family Medicine Physician	Ordering clinician managing hypertension and coordinating testing.
`207R00000X`	Internal Medicine Physician	Ordering clinician evaluating secondary causes of hypertension.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`R94.5`	Abnormal results of liver function studies	May prompt broader metabolic and endocrine evaluation; listed in the record where metabolic testing including aldosterone could be ordered.
`K76.9`	Liver disease, unspecified	Coexisting liver disease can affect medication management and interpretation of metabolic tests when evaluating hypertension and electrolyte disorders.
`R79.89`	Other specified abnormal findings of blood chemistry	Reflects abnormal blood chemistry results (e.g., electrolytes) that may lead to aldosterone testing for etiologic evaluation.
`E83.52`	Hypophosphatasia	Metabolic bone disorder; included in the record though not a primary indication for aldosterone testing but may coexist in complex metabolic assessments.
`K70.30`	Alcoholic cirrhosis of liver without ascites	Chronic liver disease affects overall metabolic status and may be present in patients undergoing broad laboratory evaluation including aldosterone measurement.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`80053`	Comprehensive metabolic panel	Provides baseline electrolytes, renal function, and metabolic data; used alongside aldosterone testing to assess hypokalemia and renal status.
`82310`	Calcium; total	Often ordered with metabolic panels to evaluate electrolyte disturbances that can accompany endocrine disorders.
`82247`	Bilirubin; total	Part of liver function assessment when liver disease is in the differential or comorbid conditions are present.
`84153`	Prostate specific antigen (PSA); total	Unrelated to aldosterone measurement clinically; listed as an associated laboratory test that may be ordered in routine male health maintenance.
`84460`	Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (SGPT)	Ordered to evaluate hepatic injury or chronic liver disease when liver-related ICD-10 codes are present in the medical record.

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Summary & Overview