Summary & Overview
CPT 83491: 17-Hydroxycorticosteroids, 24-Hour Urine
CPT code 83491 describes a laboratory assay that measures 17-hydroxycorticosteroids, typically performed on a 24-hour urine specimen to assess adrenocortical function. This biochemical test plays a role in diagnosing and monitoring disorders of cortisol production and adrenal metabolism, making it relevant across endocrinology, nephrology, and primary care settings.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication provides a national perspective on clinical context, common billing considerations, and payer coverage patterns where available. Readers will find a concise clinical overview, typical sites of service and specimen requirements, and an outline of commonly applied modifiers and operational notes as provided in the input.
The analysis focuses on what CPT code 83491 represents, why the test matters for patient care and clinical workflows, and what information is available about payer coverage. Data not provided in the input — such as specific reimbursement rates, ICD-10 mappings, and taxonomies — is noted as not available. The content is intended to inform billing, coding, and clinical staff about the code's clinical purpose and typical use in practice.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 83491 measures the level of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids in a typically 24-hour urine specimen. This laboratory assay is used by clinicians to assess adrenocortical function, aiding evaluation of disorders related to cortisol metabolism and adrenal activity.
Service type: Clinical laboratory test — quantitative urine steroid measurement
Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or hospital outpatient laboratory, using a 24-hour urine collection
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 42-year-old patient presents to endocrinology with progressive symptoms of fatigue, weight gain, hypertension, and hirsutism. The clinician suspects an adrenocortical disorder such as Cushing syndrome or congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The patient is instructed to collect a 24‑hour urine specimen at home for measurement of 17‑hydroxycorticosteroids to assess adrenal steroid production. The laboratory receives the timed urine specimen, performs the quantitative assay per protocol, and reports results to the ordering endocrinologist. Typical workflow steps: order entry by the clinician, patient education and collection of a 24‑hour urine, specimen transport to the clinical laboratory, specimen accessioning and analysis by the lab analyst using chemistry methods for 17‑hydroxycorticosteroids, result verification, and reporting into the electronic medical record for clinician interpretation and follow‑up diagnostic workup such as imaging or additional hormonal testing.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | No modifier; standard reporting | Use when no special circumstances apply to the billed laboratory service. |
26 | Professional component | Use when reporting only the professional interpretation component if applicable (rare for most automated lab assays). |