Need help choosing the right code?
Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.
Try CasePilot© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
A laboratory test known as the post glucose dose test is conducted to assess the level of glucose in the blood, which is a crucial simple sugar molecule that serves as a primary energy source for the body's cells. Glucose is commonly found in various foods and can also be produced from glycogen reserves stored in the liver and muscle tissues. The regulation of blood glucose levels is primarily managed by the pancreatic hormones insulin and glucagon, which work in tandem to maintain homeostasis. This specific test is particularly important during pregnancy, typically performed between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation, as hormonal changes induced by the placenta can disrupt normal glucose metabolism in the mother. This disruption may result in elevated blood glucose levels, which can lead to overnutrition and excessive growth of the fetus. Notably, patients do not need to fast prior to this test, making it more convenient. During the procedure, a 50 g oral dose of concentrated glucose, often referred to as Glucola, is administered to the patient. Following the ingestion of glucose, a blood sample is collected through a separate venipuncture exactly 60 minutes later. The plasma obtained from this sample is then analyzed using a quantitative enzymatic method to determine the glucose concentration in the blood.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The post glucose dose test is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for the post glucose dose test involves several key steps to ensure accurate measurement of blood glucose levels. First, the patient is administered a 50 g oral dose of concentrated glucose, commonly known as Glucola. This glucose solution is designed to be easily absorbed by the body, providing a rapid increase in blood glucose levels. Following the ingestion of the glucose, the patient is required to wait for a specific duration, typically 60 minutes, to allow the glucose to enter the bloodstream and exert its effects. After this waiting period, a blood sample is collected through a separate venipuncture. This step is crucial as it ensures that the sample is taken at the appropriate time to accurately reflect the post-load blood glucose level. The collected plasma is then subjected to analysis using a quantitative enzymatic method, which provides a precise measurement of the glucose concentration in the blood.
After the completion of the post glucose dose test, patients can typically resume their normal activities without any specific restrictions. There are no mandatory post-procedure care requirements, and patients do not need to fast following the test. However, it is advisable for patients to monitor how they feel after consuming the glucose solution, as some may experience mild side effects such as nausea or dizziness. The results of the test will be evaluated by the healthcare provider, who will discuss the findings and any necessary follow-up actions based on the glucose levels measured.
| Short Descr | GLUCOSE TEST | Medium Descr | GLUCOSE POST GLUCOSE DOSE | Long Descr | Glucose; post glucose dose (includes glucose) | 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) | Yes | APC Status Indicator | Service Paid under Fee Schedule or Payment System other than OPPS | Type of Service (TOS) | 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T1E - Lab tests - glucose | MUE | 3 | CCS Clinical Classification | 233 - Laboratory - Chemistry and Hematology |
| QW | Clia waived test | 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. | 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. | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | 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 | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | GX | Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy | 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 | PD | Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days | Q4 | Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption | SL | State supplied vaccine |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.