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The CPT® Code 82024 refers to the measurement of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels through a blood test. Adrenocorticotropic hormone, also known as corticotropin, is a polypeptide tropic hormone that is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. Its secretion is stimulated by biological stress and plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress. ACTH is integral to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates the production and release of corticosteroids, including cortisol, from the adrenal cortex. The measurement of ACTH levels is essential for diagnosing and managing various conditions related to adrenal function and stress response. To obtain the necessary sample for testing, a blood sample is collected through a procedure known as venipuncture, which is separately reportable. Once collected, the plasma is frozen and subsequently analyzed using a quantitative chemiluminescent immunoassay. It is important to note that certain synthetic ACTH preparations may not be detectable using this testing method, which can impact the interpretation of results.
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The measurement of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels is indicated for various clinical scenarios, particularly those involving adrenal function and stress response. The following conditions may warrant this test:
The procedure for measuring ACTH levels involves several key steps that ensure accurate results. First, a qualified healthcare professional performs venipuncture to obtain a blood sample from the patient. This step is critical as it allows for the collection of plasma, which is necessary for the subsequent testing. After the blood is drawn, the sample is processed by separating the plasma from the cellular components. The plasma is then frozen to preserve the integrity of the sample until testing can occur. Once ready for analysis, the frozen plasma is subjected to a quantitative chemiluminescent immunoassay, a sophisticated laboratory technique that quantifies the concentration of ACTH in the sample. It is important to note that some synthetic ACTH preparations may not be detectable by this method, which could affect the interpretation of the test results.
After the blood sample has been collected and processed, there are generally no specific post-procedure care requirements for the patient. However, patients may be advised to hydrate adequately and can typically resume normal activities immediately following the venipuncture. The results of the ACTH test will be analyzed and reported, and healthcare providers will interpret these results in the context of the patient's clinical condition. It is essential for healthcare professionals to consider the possibility of undetectable synthetic ACTH preparations when evaluating the results, as this may influence diagnosis and treatment decisions.
| Short Descr | ASSAY OF ACTH | Medium Descr | ADRENOCORTICOTROPIC HORMONE ACTH | Long Descr | Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) | Status Code | Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 9 - Not Applicable | Multiple Procedures (51) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Co-Surgeons (62) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Team Surgery (66) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | CLIA Waived (QW) | No | APC Status Indicator | Conditionally packaged laboratory tests | Type of Service (TOS) | 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule) | MUE | 4 | CCS Clinical Classification | 233 - Laboratory - Chemistry and Hematology |
| 90 | Reference (outside) laboratory: when laboratory procedures are performed by a party other than the treating or reporting physician or other qualified health care professional, the procedure may be identified by adding modifier 90 to the usual procedure number. | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | Q4 | Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption | 91 | Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient. | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | 77 | Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 26 | Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number. | 76 | Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 95 | Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system. | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | GY | Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | PN | Non-excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital | X5 | Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician |
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