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Official Description

Hemoglobin; urine

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 83069 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure the presence of free hemoglobin in urine. Hemoglobin is a vital protein found in red blood cells (RBCs) that is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. The presence of hemoglobin in urine, known as hemoglobinuria, can manifest in two primary forms: it may be visible as gross hematuria, where blood is apparent to the naked eye, or it may only be detectable through microscopic examination. Hemoglobinuria that includes RBCs typically indicates direct bleeding within the urinary tract, which can arise from various underlying conditions. Conversely, hemoglobinuria without the presence of RBCs suggests a rapid increase in free hemoglobin levels in the bloodstream, prompting the kidneys to excrete the excess. This condition can be associated with several medical issues, including kidney infections, inflammation, tumors, severe burns, malaria, hemolytic uremic syndrome, sickle cell disease, transfusion reactions, thrombocytopenic purpura, and hemolytic anemia. To perform this test, a urine sample is collected from the patient, either through random voiding or catheterization, and the analysis is conducted using quantitative spectrophotometry, a method that quantifies the concentration of hemoglobin in the urine sample.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The hemoglobin urine test (CPT® Code 83069) is indicated for the evaluation of various conditions that may lead to the presence of hemoglobin in the urine. The following are specific indications for performing this test:

  • Hematuria - The test is performed when there is a presence of blood in the urine, which may be visible (gross hematuria) or detectable only under microscopic examination.
  • Kidney Disorders - It is indicated in cases of suspected kidney infections, inflammation, or tumors that may cause bleeding into the urinary tract.
  • Hemolytic Conditions - The test is useful in diagnosing conditions such as hemolytic anemia, where the destruction of red blood cells leads to elevated levels of free hemoglobin in the blood and subsequently in the urine.
  • Transfusion Reactions - It may be indicated following blood transfusions to check for hemolysis that can occur as a reaction to incompatible blood types.
  • Severe Burns - The test can be performed in patients with severe burns, as tissue damage may lead to hemolysis and subsequent hemoglobinuria.
  • Malaria - In cases of malaria, where red blood cell destruction occurs, this test can help assess the extent of hemolysis.
  • Thrombocytopenic Purpura - The test may be indicated in patients with this condition, which can lead to bleeding and hemoglobinuria.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting the hemoglobin urine test (CPT® Code 83069) involves several key steps to ensure accurate measurement of free hemoglobin in the urine. The first step is the collection of a urine sample from the patient. This can be done through random voiding, where the patient provides a sample during a normal urination, or through catheterization, which involves inserting a catheter into the bladder to obtain a sterile urine sample. Once the sample is collected, it is important to handle it properly to avoid contamination or degradation of the sample. The next step is to analyze the urine using quantitative spectrophotometry. This method involves measuring the absorbance of light at specific wavelengths to determine the concentration of hemoglobin present in the urine. The results are then interpreted to assess the presence and level of hemoglobin, which can provide valuable information regarding the patient's condition and potential underlying causes of hemoglobinuria.

3. Post-Procedure

After the hemoglobin urine test is completed, the patient may not require any specific post-procedure care, as the test is non-invasive and does not typically cause discomfort. However, it is essential for healthcare providers to communicate the results to the patient and discuss any necessary follow-up actions based on the findings. If hemoglobinuria is detected, further diagnostic evaluations may be warranted to identify the underlying cause, which could include additional laboratory tests, imaging studies, or referrals to specialists. Patients should be advised to report any new symptoms or changes in their condition following the test, as this may indicate the need for further medical evaluation.

Short Descr HEMOGLOBIN URINE
Medium Descr HEMOGLOBIN URINE
Long Descr Hemoglobin; urine
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
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
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.
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.
Date
Action
Notes
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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Description
Code
Description
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