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Official Description

Hemoglobin; glycosylated (A1C) by device cleared by FDA for home use

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 83037 refers to a specific laboratory test known as the glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) test, which is performed using a device that has been cleared by the FDA for home use. This blood test is crucial for measuring the levels of glycosylated hemoglobin, which reflects the average plasma glucose concentration over the lifespan of red blood cells, typically ranging from 90 to 120 days. The HbA1C test is particularly significant for individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM), as it provides valuable insights into their blood glucose control. Elevated HbA1C levels can indicate poor blood sugar management, and therefore, monitoring these levels is essential for effective diabetes management. It is recommended that patients with DM have their HbA1C levels checked at least every six months, with more frequent testing advised when levels exceed 7.0%. The test can be performed using a capillary or venous blood sample, and the process involves placing a drop of blood into a buffer solution to lyse the red blood cells, followed by measuring the HbA1C levels with the home-use testing device. This method allows for convenient and timely monitoring of blood glucose levels, empowering patients to manage their diabetes more effectively.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The HbA1C test (CPT® Code 83037) is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Diabetes Mellitus (DM) The test is performed for patients with suspected diabetes mellitus to aid in diagnosis.
  • Monitoring Blood Glucose Control It is used to monitor blood glucose control in patients who have already been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus.
  • Assessment of Treatment Efficacy The test helps assess the effectiveness of diabetes management strategies and treatment plans.

2. Procedure

The procedure for performing the HbA1C test using CPT® Code 83037 involves several key steps:

  • Sample Collection A blood sample is obtained from the patient, which can be either a capillary sample (typically from a fingerstick) or a venous sample. This flexibility allows for ease of testing in various settings, including at home.
  • Preparation of the Sample Once the blood sample is collected, a drop of blood is placed into a buffer solution. This solution is crucial as it helps to lyse the red blood cells, releasing hemoglobin into the solution for accurate measurement.
  • Testing The prepared sample is then transferred to the FDA-cleared testing device. The device measures the HbA1C levels by analyzing the hemoglobin in the sample. The results are displayed directly on the device, providing immediate feedback on the patient's glycemic control.

3. Post-Procedure

After the HbA1C test is completed, patients can typically resume their normal activities immediately. The results of the test should be reviewed by a healthcare provider to determine if any adjustments to the diabetes management plan are necessary. It is important for patients to understand their results and the implications for their ongoing treatment. Regular monitoring of HbA1C levels is essential for effective diabetes management, and follow-up appointments should be scheduled as recommended by the healthcare provider.

Short Descr HB GLYCOSYLATED A1C HOME DEV
Medium Descr HGB GLYCOSYLATED A1C DEVICE CLEARED FDA HOME USE
Long Descr Hemoglobin; glycosylated (A1C) by device cleared by FDA for home use
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 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
QW Clia waived test
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.
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
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.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
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.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
95 Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system.
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
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
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
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
Date
Action
Notes
2023-01-01 Note Short and medium descriptions changed.
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2006-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2006.
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