Summary & Overview
CPT 84379: Multiple Saccharide Analysis in Urine or Stool
CPT code 84379 represents a laboratory test that quantifies multiple sugars or saccharides, most commonly performed on urine or stool specimens to assess carbohydrate absorption or related metabolic function. Nationally, this code is relevant to clinical labs, hospital laboratories, gastroenterology, metabolic and pediatric services where evaluation of malabsorption or carbohydrate metabolism is needed. It matters for billing clarity because each specimen tested by the lab analyst is reported separately, affecting per-specimen reimbursement and claims processing.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of billing and clinical context, typical sites of service, common modifiers used with laboratory claims, and how the code is reported per specimen. The publication outlines benchmarks and utilization considerations, summarizes any notable policy updates relevant to laboratory reporting of multi-saccharide assays, and provides clinical context on when such testing is performed.
This summary is intended for coding professionals, laboratory managers, revenue cycle staff, and clinicians seeking a national overview of CPT code 84379 and its operational and billing implications.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 84379 reports a laboratory assay in which a lab analyst measures the amount of multiple sugars or saccharides, typically performed on patient urine or stool specimens. This test quantifies a panel of saccharides to evaluate carbohydrate absorption or related metabolic processes.
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Service type: Laboratory test — quantitative saccharide analysis
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Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory, performed on specimens collected from outpatient or inpatient settings
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 6-year-old child presents to a pediatric clinic with chronic loose stools and failure to thrive. The clinician suspects carbohydrate malabsorption and orders a laboratory evaluation. A urine specimen is collected and sent to the hospital clinical laboratory. The laboratory analyst performs 84379 to measure the concentration and pattern of multiple sugars (disaccharides and monosaccharides) in the urine to assess for malabsorption or bacterial fermentation. The workflow: specimen accessioning, preparation (e.g., hydrolysis or extraction as required), analytical measurement using chromatographic or enzymatic methods, result verification by a supervising laboratorian, and final reporting in the electronic medical record. The test may be repeated for additional specimens; 84379 is reported for each specimen analyzed.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the professional interpretation or oversight of the laboratory testing separate from the technical component |
TC |