Summary & Overview
CPT 82642: Serum Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) Assay
CPT code 82642 designates a laboratory assay for measuring serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgen produced by conversion of testosterone via 5-alpha reductase. This test is used in clinical evaluation of androgen status and can inform diagnosis and management of conditions such as androgenic alopecia, hirsutism, ambiguous genitalia, and certain endocrine disorders. As a specialized hormone assay, it is performed in certified clinical or hospital laboratories and factors into national discussions around laboratory coverage, appropriate utilization, and diagnostic pathways.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical context for ordering the test, typical site-of-service considerations, common modifiers, and guidance on what information is available versus missing. The publication presents national benchmarks and payer coverage patterns where available, summarizes relevant policy and billing considerations, and outlines how this code fits into broader endocrine and laboratory service lines. Data gaps are noted explicitly as "Data not available in the input."
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 82642 describes a laboratory analysis that measures serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels. DHT is a primary androgen produced by the enzymatic reduction of testosterone via 5-alpha reductase and is clinically relevant in evaluating androgen-related conditions.
Service type: Laboratory diagnostic test — endocrine/hormone assay
Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory (specimen collected in outpatient clinic or blood draw center and analyzed in a certified lab)
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 42-year-old male presents to a urology clinic with progressive androgenic alopecia and reduced libido despite normal total testosterone on prior testing. The clinician orders a serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT) assay (82642) to quantify peripheral conversion of testosterone by 5-alpha reductase and to guide consideration of 5-alpha reductase inhibitor therapy. Phlebotomy is performed in the outpatient laboratory; serum is separated and sent to the clinical chemistry lab where the lab analyst performs the 82642 assay, documents results in the electronic medical record, and the ordering urologist/endocrinologist reviews the value to inform diagnosis and management.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | Unmodified procedure | When no modifier applies and service is billed normally |
11 | Office or other outpatient service, primary | When the test is primary to the outpatient encounter billing scenario |