Summary & Overview
CPT 82652: Vitamin D, 1,25-Dihydroxy Assay
CPT code 82652 represents a laboratory assay for vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxy, the hormonally active form of vitamin D that stimulates intestinal calcium absorption. This specialized biochemical test is used in clinical evaluations of calcium-phosphate disorders, complex metabolic bone disease, and in monitoring certain renal or parathyroid conditions. Nationally, accurate measurement of 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D supports diagnosis and management of disorders where active vitamin D levels, rather than total or 25-hydroxy vitamin D, are clinically relevant.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of payer coverage patterns and common billing practices, clinical context distinguishing this assay from other vitamin D tests, and operational benchmarks where available. The publication also outlines typical sites of service and the role of the assay in care pathways for metabolic bone disease and renal/endocrine evaluations.
This summary is intended for clinicians, laboratory managers, and billing professionals seeking concise national-level context on CPT code 82652, including what the test measures, where it is performed, and the aspects of coverage and billing that commonly affect laboratory utilization.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 82652 measures vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxy (the hormonally active form of vitamin D). The test quantifies the level of this fat-soluble steroid, which plays a key role in calcium absorption in the intestine and in regulating calcium and phosphate metabolism.
Service Type: Laboratory biochemical assay
Typical Site of Service: Clinical laboratory, hospital laboratory, or outpatient phlebotomy and testing facility
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an adult with unexplained hypocalcemia, persistent musculoskeletal pain, or suspected disorders of calcium/phosphate metabolism referred for laboratory evaluation. The clinician orders measurement of 82652 (Vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxy) when initial testing (serum calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D) is inconclusive or when active vitamin D hormone status is specifically needed — for example, in patients with chronic kidney disease, malabsorption, granulomatous disease, or suspected inherited disorders of vitamin D metabolism. A phlebotomist obtains a serum sample, which is sent to the clinical laboratory. The laboratory analyst performs an immunoassay or chromatographic assay to quantify serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Results are reported to the ordering clinician and used to guide diagnosis (e.g., distinguishing vitamin D deficiency from impaired activation) and to monitor therapy when calcitriol or other active vitamin D analogues are prescribed. Typical site of service is an outpatient clinic, hospital inpatient setting, renal clinic, or clinical laboratory with professional and technical components as applicable.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the laboratory professional interpretation component, if separately reportable in your setting. |