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Official Description

Chromium

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 82495 refers to the laboratory test for measuring chromium levels in blood or urine. Chromium is an essential trace mineral that exists in two primary forms: trivalent and hexavalent. The trivalent form is biologically active and plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal health, particularly in glucose metabolism and insulin function. In contrast, hexavalent chromium is a toxic compound often associated with industrial pollution and can pose significant health risks upon exposure. The measurement of chromium levels through laboratory testing is important for assessing an individual's nutritional status and for screening potential exposure to toxic waste. It is essential to note that various factors, including nutritional supplements, medications, and iodine-containing contrast media, can influence the accuracy of test results. The collection of samples for this test can be performed through venipuncture for blood samples, which must be reported separately, or through urine collection, which may be done over a 24-hour period or as a single random sample. Both serum and urine samples are analyzed using quantitative inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, a highly sensitive technique that allows for precise measurement of chromium concentrations.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The chromium test (CPT® Code 82495) is indicated for various clinical scenarios, including:

  • Nutritional Assessment - To evaluate an individual's chromium levels as part of a nutritional status assessment, particularly in patients with suspected deficiencies.
  • Toxic Exposure Screening - To screen for potential exposure to hexavalent chromium, especially in individuals who may have been exposed to industrial pollutants.

2. Procedure

The procedure for testing chromium levels involves several key steps:

  • Sample Collection - A blood sample is obtained through venipuncture, which must be reported separately. Alternatively, urine can be collected either as a single random sample or over a 24-hour period to ensure accurate measurement of chromium levels.
  • Sample Preparation - Once collected, the blood and urine samples are prepared for analysis. This may involve centrifugation of the blood sample to separate serum from cellular components.
  • Analytical Testing - The prepared serum and urine samples are analyzed using quantitative inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). This advanced technique allows for the precise quantification of chromium levels in both biological fluids.

3. Post-Procedure

After the chromium testing procedure, there are no specific post-procedure care requirements mentioned. However, it is important for healthcare providers to inform patients about potential factors that could affect test results, such as the intake of nutritional supplements, medications, and iodine-containing contrast media. Patients should be advised to discuss any such substances with their healthcare provider prior to testing to ensure accurate results.

Short Descr ASSAY OF CHROMIUM
Medium Descr ASSAY OF CHROMIUM
Long Descr Chromium
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.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
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
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.
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.
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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