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Official Description

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 82642 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the serum. DHT is a potent androgen, which is a class of hormones that play a crucial role in male characteristics and reproductive activity. This hormone is particularly significant in the context of male pattern baldness and various prostate diseases, as it is involved in the process of male virilization, helping to counteract the effects of estrogen. DHT is produced through the enzymatic conversion of testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, resulting in two isoenzymes: DHT Type 1 and DHT Type 2. DHT Type 1 is predominantly found in various body tissues, especially in sebaceous glands, while DHT Type 2 is primarily located in genital tissues, including the prostate gland. Notably, serum levels of DHT remain stable with age, even when testosterone levels decline, and they do not increase in the presence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The measurement of serum DHT levels is essential for evaluating and diagnosing DHT deficiency and for monitoring patients undergoing treatment with 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, such as finasteride or herbal supplements like saw palmetto. The testing process involves obtaining a blood sample, which is then analyzed using advanced techniques such as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to ensure accurate measurement of DHT levels.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The measurement of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels is indicated for several clinical scenarios, particularly in relation to male health and hormonal balance. The following conditions and symptoms may warrant this laboratory test:

  • Male Pattern Baldness - DHT is implicated in the development of androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male pattern baldness, making its measurement relevant for diagnosis and treatment planning.
  • Prostate Disease - Elevated DHT levels are associated with various prostate conditions, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer, thus necessitating monitoring in affected patients.
  • DHT Deficiency - The test may be used to evaluate suspected deficiencies in DHT, which can impact male virilization and overall hormonal health.
  • Monitoring 5-alpha-reductase Therapy - Patients receiving treatment with 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, such as finasteride or saw palmetto, may require DHT level assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of their therapy.

2. Procedure

The procedure for measuring serum DHT levels involves several key steps that ensure accurate and reliable results. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Blood Sample Collection - A blood sample is obtained from the patient, typically through venipuncture. This step is crucial as it provides the serum needed for the DHT measurement. The blood collection must be performed in a sterile manner to prevent contamination and ensure the integrity of the sample.
  • Step 2: Serum Separation - After collection, the blood sample is processed to separate the serum from the cellular components. This is usually done by centrifugation, which spins the sample at high speeds to allow the serum to rise to the top, where it can be carefully extracted for testing.
  • Step 3: Laboratory Analysis - The extracted serum is then subjected to analysis using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This advanced analytical technique allows for precise quantification of DHT levels in the serum, providing reliable results that can be used for clinical decision-making.

3. Post-Procedure

After the blood sample has been collected and processed, 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 the healthcare provider. The results of the DHT measurement will typically be available within a few days, and healthcare professionals will discuss the findings with the patient, including any necessary follow-up actions based on the results. Monitoring may be required for patients undergoing treatment with 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors to assess the effectiveness of therapy and make any necessary adjustments.

Short Descr DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE
Medium Descr DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE (DHT)
Long Descr Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
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) none
MUE 1
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2019-01-01 Added Added
Code
Description
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