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Official Description

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 82626 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure the levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the blood. DHEA is a steroid hormone that serves as a precursor to both male and female sex hormones and is primarily produced in the adrenal glands from cholesterol. In addition to the adrenal glands, small amounts of DHEA can also be synthesized in the brain, ovaries, and testes. The measurement of DHEA levels is clinically significant, as elevated concentrations may suggest increased adrenal activity, which can be associated with conditions such as benign adrenal hyperplasia, malignant adrenal tumors, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Clinically, patients with elevated DHEA levels may exhibit symptoms such as ambiguous external genitalia, precocious puberty in males, and virilization in females. In adult women, high DHEA levels can lead to symptoms like hirsutism (increased body hair), menstrual irregularities, and infertility. Conversely, adult males with elevated DHEA levels are often asymptomatic. On the other hand, low levels of DHEA can have detrimental effects on various bodily functions, including bone formation, body composition, insulin and glucose metabolism, and sexual drive. The test is performed by obtaining a blood sample through venipuncture, which is a separately reportable procedure. The serum or plasma obtained from the blood sample is then analyzed using quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, a sophisticated technique that allows for precise measurement of hormone levels.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The laboratory test for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is indicated for the evaluation of various clinical conditions and symptoms associated with abnormal hormone levels. The following are the specific indications for performing this test:

  • Elevated DHEA Levels may indicate excess adrenal activity due to conditions such as benign adrenal hyperplasia, malignant adrenal tumors, and polycystic ovarian syndrome.
  • Ambiguous External Genitalia in newborns or children, which may suggest abnormal hormone production.
  • Precocious Puberty in boys, characterized by the early onset of secondary sexual characteristics.
  • Virilization in Girls which includes symptoms such as hirsutism, deepening of the voice, and other male-pattern characteristics.
  • Menstrual Irregularities in adult women, which may be linked to hormonal imbalances.
  • Infertility in women, where hormonal assessment is necessary to determine underlying causes.
  • Low DHEA Levels may be assessed to evaluate potential impacts on bone formation, body composition, insulin and glucose metabolism, and libido.

2. Procedure

The procedure for measuring dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels involves several key steps that ensure accurate and reliable results. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation - Prior to the blood draw, the patient may be instructed to avoid certain medications or supplements that could affect hormone levels. It is essential to ensure that the patient is adequately informed about the procedure and any necessary preparations.
  • Step 2: Venipuncture - A qualified healthcare professional performs a venipuncture, which involves inserting a needle into a vein, typically in the arm, to obtain a blood sample. This step is crucial as it provides the serum or plasma needed for the DHEA analysis. The venipuncture is a separately reportable procedure and must be documented accordingly.
  • Step 3: Sample Collection - The blood collected during the venipuncture is placed into appropriate collection tubes, which may contain specific additives to preserve the sample for testing. Proper labeling and handling of the sample are essential to prevent contamination and ensure accurate results.
  • Step 4: Laboratory Analysis - The serum or plasma is then subjected to quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). This advanced analytical technique allows for the precise measurement of DHEA levels in the sample, providing reliable data for clinical interpretation.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, the patient may be monitored briefly to ensure there are no immediate complications from the venipuncture, such as excessive bleeding or discomfort. Patients are typically advised to hydrate and may resume normal activities unless otherwise instructed. The results of the DHEA test will be interpreted by the healthcare provider in conjunction with clinical findings and other laboratory tests to determine any necessary follow-up actions or treatments. It is important for the healthcare provider to discuss the results with the patient, addressing any concerns or questions regarding the implications of the DHEA levels measured.

Short Descr DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE
Medium Descr DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE
Long Descr Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
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
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.
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
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
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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