CPT® Code 83593

The CPT® Code 83593 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure the total amount of 17-ketosteroids (17-KS) present in urine. 17-ketosteroids are a group of steroid hormones that are produced as metabolites of adrenal hormones, including cortisol and cortisone. These steroids are characterized by the presence of a hydroxyl group and a short carbon chain at the 17 position of the steroid nucleus. The measurement of 17-KS is significant in the clinical assessment of various endocrine disorders. Elevated levels of 17-KS can indicate conditions such as adrenal hyperplasia, which may lead to precocious puberty, Cushing syndrome, obesity, and other pathological stress conditions like acute illness, infection, surgery, or burns. Conversely, decreased levels of 17-KS may suggest adrenal insufficiency conditions such as Addison's disease, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency, or hypopituitarism. The test is performed using a 24-hour urine sample, which is analyzed through quantitative spectrophotometry to provide accurate measurements of the fractionated 17-ketosteroids. This code, 83593, is specifically utilized for the measurement of fractionated 17-ketosteroids in clinical settings.