Summary & Overview
CPT 84446: Alpha-Tocopherol (Vitamin E) Measurement
CPT code 84446 denotes a laboratory measurement of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) in serum or plasma. This test informs clinical evaluation of nutritional status, malabsorption syndromes, and monitoring of supplementation. As a widely used biochemical assay, CPT code 84446 is relevant for clinicians, laboratories, and payers managing diagnostic testing for metabolic and nutritional disorders nationwide.
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 vitamin E measurement, typical service settings, and what to expect from payer coverage and billing practice. The publication outlines common billing considerations, potential modifiers, and operational notes for laboratories and providers.
The content provides benchmarks and policy-oriented context to help stakeholders understand how CPT code 84446 is used in clinical workflows and payer interactions. Data not available in the input will be noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 84446 describes a laboratory assay to measure alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) concentration, typically performed on serum or plasma. This test quantifies the level of vitamin E to assess nutritional status, investigate suspected deficiency or malabsorption, and monitor patients on long-term supplementation when clinically indicated.
Service type: Clinical laboratory test (vitamin assay)
Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory, with specimens collected in outpatient clinics, inpatient settings, or reference lab draw sites
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A mid-adult patient presents to an outpatient clinic with progressive peripheral neuropathy and a history of fat malabsorption after bariatric surgery. The clinician orders serum alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) testing to evaluate for deficiency contributing to neurologic symptoms. Blood is drawn in the clinic or at a laboratory phlebotomy site; the specimen (serum or plasma) is routed to the clinical laboratory. The laboratory analyst performs 84446 (alpha-tocopherol, vitamin E) using an appropriate analytical method (e.g., HPLC). Results are reported to the ordering provider and integrated into the patient’s problem list for therapeutic decisions such as supplementation or further malabsorption workup. Typical sites of service include hospital outpatient laboratories, independent clinical laboratories, and ambulatory clinic phlebotomy areas.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the professional interpretation/service portion if applicable (laboratory professional oversight separate from technical performance). |
90 | Reference (outside) laboratory |