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The CPT® Code 82088 refers to the measurement of aldosterone levels through a blood or urine test. Aldosterone is a crucial hormone produced in the adrenal cortex, playing a significant role in regulating blood volume and blood pressure. It achieves this by controlling the concentrations of sodium and potassium in the bloodstream. The secretion of aldosterone is intricately regulated by two other proteins: renin and angiotensin. When assessing aldosterone levels, it is common practice to also conduct separate tests for these proteins, as they provide important context for interpreting aldosterone results. For the blood test, a sample is typically collected via venipuncture, with specific timing recommendations suggesting that the sample be drawn between 10 AM and noon. The patient should be in a supine position for two hours prior to the test or alternatively, in an upright position for the same duration. The serum obtained from the blood sample is then analyzed using a method known as radioimmunoassay. In addition to the blood test, a 24-hour urine collection is required, where a 10 ml sample is submitted for analysis. It is essential to document the total volume of urine voided during the collection period and the exact time of collection, as this information is critical for accurate testing. The urine sample is also tested using radioimmunoassay, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of aldosterone levels in the body.
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The aldosterone test (CPT® Code 82088) is indicated for various clinical scenarios where the assessment of aldosterone levels is necessary. The following conditions may warrant this testing:
The procedure for measuring aldosterone levels involves several key steps that ensure accurate results. First, a blood sample is obtained through a process known as venipuncture. It is recommended that this blood draw occurs between 10 AM and noon to standardize the timing of the test, as aldosterone levels can fluctuate throughout the day. Prior to the blood collection, the patient should be positioned either supine for two hours or upright for the same duration to ensure consistent results. Once the blood sample is collected, it is processed to obtain serum, which is then analyzed using radioimmunoassay, a sensitive technique that quantifies hormone levels in the serum. In addition to the blood test, a 24-hour urine collection is required to measure aldosterone levels in urine. During this collection period, the patient must void all urine, which is then collected in a designated container. At the end of the 24 hours, a 10 ml sample of the total urine volume is submitted for testing. It is crucial to document the total volume of urine voided and the exact time of collection, as this information is necessary for accurate interpretation of the results. The urine sample is also analyzed using radioimmunoassay, providing a comprehensive assessment of aldosterone levels in both serum and urine.
After the aldosterone testing procedure, there are no specific post-procedure care requirements mentioned. However, it is important for healthcare providers to inform patients about the significance of the test results and any necessary follow-up actions based on the findings. Patients may be advised to maintain their usual diet and medication regimen unless otherwise directed by their healthcare provider, as certain medications and dietary factors can influence aldosterone levels. Additionally, the healthcare provider may schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the results and any further diagnostic or therapeutic steps that may be needed based on the aldosterone levels obtained from the tests.
| Short Descr | ASSAY OF ALDOSTERONE | Medium Descr | ASSAY OF ALDOSTERONE | Long Descr | Aldosterone | 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 | 2 | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | 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 | Q4 | Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption | 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 | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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