Summary & Overview
CPT 82610: Cystatin C Quantitative Assay
CPT code 82610 denotes a quantitative laboratory assay for cystatin C, a blood protein used as a marker of kidney function. This test is clinically important for estimating glomerular filtration and for assessing renal status when creatinine-based estimates may be limited. Nationally, cystatin C testing supports diagnostic evaluation, medication dosing considerations, and monitoring of chronic kidney disease progression.
Key payers included in the analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of what the code represents, typical sites of service, and which major payers are relevant to coverage discussions. The publication summarizes clinical context for when cystatin C is used and outlines the types of benchmarks and policy topics that typically accompany laboratory code reviews, including utilization patterns, reimbursement considerations, and coding guidance.
The report provides practical reference information for billing and revenue cycle teams, laboratory directors, and policy analysts seeking a national perspective on CPT code 82610. Data not available in the input are identified explicitly where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 82610 describes a quantitative laboratory test measuring cystatin C, a protein most commonly measured in blood to assess kidney function. The reported service reflects the technical component of performing the laboratory assay, typically including specimen processing and analytic measurement performed by a laboratory analyst or technologist.
Service Type: Clinical Laboratory / Quantitative Chemistry Test
Typical Site of Service: Clinical laboratory, hospital laboratory, or independent reference laboratory
Data not available in the input for related taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, or associated procedure codes.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an adult with suspected or established chronic kidney disease (CKD) or acute changes in renal function where serum cystatin C measurement provides a more reliable estimate of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) than creatinine alone. Common clinical presentations include older adults with reduced muscle mass, patients with malnutrition or cachexia, those on medications affecting creatinine secretion, and individuals requiring more accurate GFR assessment for drug dosing or transplant evaluation.
Workflow: A provider orders 82610 (cystatin C, quantitative) as part of a chemistry panel. A phlebotomist collects a venous blood sample, labels it, and sends it to the clinical laboratory. The laboratory technologist performs the analytic assay and documents results in the laboratory information system. Results are reviewed by the ordering clinician (e.g., nephrologist, internist) who may use the cystatin C value to calculate estimated GFR, adjust medications, or guide further renal workup. The laboratory report may include the numeric cystatin C value, reference range, and analytic method used.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the professional interpretation component of a test when split technical/professional components exist. |