Summary & Overview
CPT 84449: Transcortin (Cortisol Binding Globulin) Serum Assay
CPT code 84449 represents a laboratory assay for transcortin, also known as cortisol binding globulin, measured in patient serum. This biochemical test informs assessment of cortisol transport and availability and can influence diagnostic interpretation in endocrine and critical care contexts. Nationally, accurate coding and reporting of specialized laboratory assays like 84449 matter for clinical decision support, claims adjudication, and comparative utilization analysis.
Key payers included in this analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of clinical context for the assay, typical sites of service, and payer coverage considerations. The publication summarizes available benchmarks where present, notes policy and coding guidance relevant to specialty laboratory testing, and outlines common clinical indications and operational considerations for ordering and processing the test.
The content provides a concise reference for billing staff, laboratory managers, and policy analysts seeking clarity on the clinical purpose of 84449, payer coverage landscape, and the types of information typically evaluated when this code appears on a claim. Data not available in the input are noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 84449 describes a laboratory assay measuring transcortin (cortisol binding globulin) in patient serum. The test quantifies the concentration of the binding protein that carries cortisol in the bloodstream and is used in clinical assessment of cortisol physiology and related disorders.
Service Type: Laboratory / Clinical Pathology
Typical Site of Service: Clinical laboratory or hospital outpatient laboratory, where blood specimens are collected and analyzed.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 45-year-old female presents to an endocrinology clinic with persistent fatigue, unexplained weight changes, and signs of hypo- or hypercortisolism on screening biochemical tests. The clinician orders a serum assay to measure transcortin (cortisol-binding globulin) to clarify total versus free cortisol levels and to interpret abnormal cortisol measurements. Phlebotomy is performed in an outpatient laboratory or hospital outpatient draw station; serum is sent to a clinical chemistry lab where a technologist runs the 84449 assay. Results are reported to the ordering endocrinologist; interpretation informs diagnosis and management of adrenal disorders, estrogen therapy effects, pregnancy-related changes, or congenital binding protein abnormalities. Typical site of service: outpatient laboratory or hospital outpatient laboratory. Service type: clinical laboratory diagnostic assay performed by a trained laboratory analyst/technologist on patient serum.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the professional interpretation component (rare for this lab test). |
52 |