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 83491 refers to the measurement of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) levels in blood or urine. This test is crucial for assessing the levels of 17-OHCS, which is an inactive byproduct formed during the metabolism of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. The measurement of 17-OHCS is significant as elevated levels can be indicative of Cushing's syndrome, a condition characterized by excessive cortisol production. It is important to note that 17-OHCS levels can fluctuate throughout the day, with the most accurate results typically obtained from samples collected between 6 am and 11 am. Certain medications, including estrogen, dexamethasone, and specific antibiotics such as ampicillin and gentamicin, may influence the levels of 17-OHCS in the blood and urine, potentially leading to elevated test results. The collection of a blood sample for this test is performed through venipuncture, which is a separately reportable procedure. The analysis of serum or plasma is conducted using advanced techniques such as quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. For urine specimens, either a random voided sample or a 24-hour collection can be utilized, with testing performed via the quantitative phenylhydrazine-sulfuric acid reaction, commonly known as the Porter-Silber test.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) test is indicated for the evaluation of conditions related to abnormal cortisol production. The following are specific indications for performing this test:
The procedure for measuring 17-hydroxycorticosteroids involves several key steps, which are detailed below:
After the procedure, patients may be advised to follow specific guidelines based on the type of sample collected. For blood samples, there are typically no special post-procedure care instructions, although patients may be monitored for any immediate reactions to the venipuncture. For urine collections, particularly in the case of a 24-hour collection, patients should be instructed on how to properly collect and store the urine to ensure accurate test results. It is also important to inform patients about the potential effects of medications that may influence test outcomes, such as estrogen, dexamethasone, and certain antibiotics. Results from the 17-OHCS tests will be interpreted by healthcare professionals to guide further diagnostic or therapeutic decisions.
| Short Descr | ASY HYDROXYCORTICOSTEROIDS17 | Medium Descr | ASSAY OF HYDROXYCORTICOSTEROIDS 17 | Long Descr | Hydroxycorticosteroids, 17- (17-OHCS) | 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. |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 2023-01-01 | Note | Short and medium descriptions changed. |
| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Short Descriptor changed. |
| 2004-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2003-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.