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The CPT® Code 82308 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure the levels of calcitonin in the blood. Calcitonin, which is also known as thyrocalcitonin, is a hormone that is synthesized and secreted by the parafollicular cells, or C-cells, located in the thyroid gland. This hormone plays a crucial role in the regulation of blood calcium levels by inhibiting the breakdown of bone and reducing the tubular reabsorption of calcium and phosphorus in the kidneys. The measurement of calcitonin levels is particularly significant in the context of certain medical conditions. The test may be ordered for the diagnosis and monitoring of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a type of thyroid cancer that arises from the parafollicular cells. Additionally, it can be utilized in the evaluation of leukemia and myeloproliferative disorders, which are conditions characterized by the overproduction of blood cells. Furthermore, the calcitonin test serves as a screening tool for individuals who are at risk for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2), a genetic syndrome that can lead to various endocrine tumors. To perform this test, a blood sample is collected through a procedure known as venipuncture, which is separately reportable. The serum or plasma obtained from the blood sample is then analyzed using a quantitative chemiluminescent immunoassay, a sensitive and specific method for measuring hormone levels in the laboratory.
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The calcitonin test, represented by CPT® Code 82308, is indicated for several specific medical conditions and scenarios. The following are the primary indications for which this laboratory test may be performed:
The procedure for measuring calcitonin levels involves several key steps that ensure accurate and reliable results. The following outlines the procedural steps involved in the test:
After the calcitonin test is completed, there are generally no specific post-procedure care requirements for the patient. However, it is advisable for patients to remain hydrated and to follow any additional instructions provided by their healthcare provider. The results of the test will typically be reviewed during a follow-up appointment, where the healthcare provider will discuss the findings and any necessary next steps based on the results. Patients should be informed that elevated calcitonin levels may warrant further investigation or monitoring, particularly in the context of the indicated conditions.
| Short Descr | ASSAY OF CALCITONIN | Medium Descr | CALCITONIN | Long Descr | Calcitonin | 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 | 1 | 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. | Q4 | Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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 | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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