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.
The CPT® Code 83009 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to analyze blood for urease activity using a non-radioactive isotope, such as Carbon-13 (C-13). This test is primarily utilized to diagnose infections caused by Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that is commonly associated with various gastrointestinal conditions. H. pylori is known to inhabit the stomach, where it burrows into the gastric mucosa to access the less acidic epithelial cells. This bacterium produces an enzyme called urease, which plays a crucial role in its survival within the acidic environment of the stomach. The presence of H. pylori can lead to inflammation of the gastric lining, triggering an immune response that may result in chronic active gastritis, duodenal ulcers, or nonulcerative dyspepsia. The test involves collecting a baseline blood sample through a venipuncture, which is a separately reportable procedure. Following this, the patient ingests a solution containing C-13 urea. If H. pylori is present in the stomach, the urease enzyme will break down the C-13 urea, producing C-13 carbon dioxide (CO2). This CO2 is then absorbed into the bloodstream and subsequently exhaled, allowing for the detection of the infection through the analysis of the blood samples.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The Helicobacter pylori blood test (CPT® Code 83009) is indicated for the diagnosis of specific gastrointestinal conditions associated with H. pylori infection. The following conditions warrant the use of this test:
The procedure for conducting the Helicobacter pylori blood test involves several key steps that ensure accurate results. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the completion of the Helicobacter pylori blood test, patients may be monitored for any immediate reactions to the ingestion of C-13 urea, although significant side effects are rare. The results from the blood samples will be analyzed to assess the presence of H. pylori infection. It is important for healthcare providers to communicate the results to the patient and discuss any necessary follow-up actions or treatments based on the findings. Additionally, proper documentation of the procedure and results is essential for accurate medical coding and billing.
| Short Descr | H PYLORI (C-13) BLOOD | Medium Descr | HPYLORI BLOOD ANAL UREASE ACT NON-RADACT ISOTOPE | Long Descr | Helicobacter pylori, blood test analysis for urease activity, non-radioactive isotope (eg, C-13) | 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 |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2005-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2005. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.