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The CPT® Code 83051 refers to a laboratory test that measures the levels of hemoglobin present in the plasma. Hemoglobin is a vital protein primarily found within erythrocytes, commonly known as red blood cells, where it plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen throughout the body. However, certain medical conditions can lead to intravascular hemolysis, a process where red blood cells are destroyed, resulting in the release of hemoglobin into the plasma. This can occur due to various factors, including hereditary disorders, acquired conditions, or iatrogenic causes, which are related to medical interventions. When hemoglobin is released into the plasma, the body employs protective mechanisms to scavenge and manage the excess hemoglobin. However, if these mechanisms become overwhelmed, the concentration of free hemoglobin in the plasma can rise to levels that are detectable through laboratory testing. The test is performed by obtaining a blood sample through a procedure known as venipuncture, which is separately reportable. The analysis of the plasma hemoglobin is conducted using quantitative spectrophotometry, a method that measures the intensity of light absorbed by the hemoglobin in the plasma, providing an accurate quantification of its levels.
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The hemoglobin plasma test (CPT® Code 83051) is indicated for various clinical scenarios where monitoring of hemoglobin levels in the plasma is necessary. The following conditions may warrant this test:
The procedure for obtaining a plasma hemoglobin measurement involves several key steps, which are outlined as follows:
After the procedure, the patient may experience minor discomfort or bruising at the venipuncture site, which typically resolves quickly. There are no specific post-procedure care instructions provided in the data; however, patients are generally advised to keep the site clean and monitor for any signs of infection or excessive bleeding. The results of the plasma hemoglobin test will be interpreted by the healthcare provider, who will discuss the findings and any necessary follow-up actions based on the patient's clinical condition.
| Short Descr | HEMOGLOBIN PLASMA | Medium Descr | HEMOGLOBIN PLASMA | Long Descr | Hemoglobin; plasma | 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. | 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. | 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 | 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 |
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| 2023-01-01 | Note | Short and medium descriptions changed. |
| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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