Summary & Overview
CPT 84244: Renin Assay, Plasma
CPT code 84244 denotes a laboratory diagnostic assay to evaluate renin levels in a patient specimen, typically plasma. Renin testing is clinically relevant for the evaluation of hypertension, suspected primary aldosteronism, and other disorders of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Nationally, renin assays inform diagnostic pathways and treatment selection, and they are commonly performed in reference and hospital laboratories.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context for renin testing, typical sites of service, and the common payer landscape. The publication outlines benchmarks and utilization patterns where available, summarizes relevant policy considerations and coverage tendencies across major payers, and highlights coding and billing considerations tied to lab service delivery.
This summary equips clinicians, billing professionals, and policy analysts with the clinical purpose of the test, expected service setting, and which major payers are considered. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable in detailed sections.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 84244 describes a laboratory assay performed by a lab analyst to evaluate the level of renin in a patient specimen, most commonly plasma. This test measures renin concentration or activity to assist clinical assessment of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
Service type: Laboratory diagnostic test
Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an adult evaluated for hypertension, suspected primary hyperaldosteronism, or orthostatic hypotension. The clinician orders plasma renin testing (84244) to assess renin activity or concentration as part of the diagnostic workup for renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis disorders. Workflow: the outpatient or inpatient provider (endocrinologist, nephrologist, cardiologist, or primary care physician) documents indication and collection timing (supine vs. upright) and medication adjustments. A phlebotomy technician obtains a plasma specimen using standard anticoagulant tubes and handles preanalytic requirements (time of day, posture, and cold pack if required). The specimen is sent to the clinical laboratory; a lab scientist performs the renin assay (84244) and posts results to the electronic medical record. Results are interpreted by the ordering clinician in context of aldosterone levels, electrolytes, and blood pressure measurements to guide further testing or treatment such as mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, potassium repletion, or referral for adrenal imaging or surgical consultation.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the professional (interpretation) portion if split billing applies and the laboratory performs the technical portion elsewhere. |