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Official Description

Lactoferrin, fecal; qualitative

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Lactoferrin is a glycoprotein that binds iron and is primarily found in the granules of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell (WBC). The CPT® Code 83630 refers to a qualitative test that detects the presence of lactoferrin in fecal samples. This test is significant because the presence of lactoferrin in stool is indicative of inflammatory processes within the gastrointestinal tract. Specifically, it serves as a marker for inflammatory diarrhea, which can be caused by various conditions such as bacterial infections, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease. To perform this test, a stool sample is collected following a bowel movement and is analyzed using a qualitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This method allows healthcare providers to determine whether lactoferrin is present, thereby aiding in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases. In contrast, CPT® Code 83631 pertains to a quantitative test that measures the concentration of lactoferrin in the stool, providing further insights into the severity of inflammation and the effectiveness of treatment in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The lactoferrin fecal test (CPT® Code 83630) is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Inflammatory Diarrhea The presence of lactoferrin in feces is a marker for inflammatory diarrhea, which may be caused by bacterial infections.
  • Ulcerative Colitis This test can help in diagnosing ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon.
  • Crohn's Disease The test is also utilized to identify Crohn's disease, another form of inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting the lactoferrin fecal test involves several key steps:

  • Sample Collection A stool sample is collected from the patient after a bowel movement. It is essential that the sample is collected properly to ensure accurate test results.
  • Testing Method The collected stool sample is then subjected to a qualitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This testing method is designed to detect the presence of lactoferrin in the fecal matter.
  • Result Interpretation After the ELISA is performed, the results are analyzed to determine whether lactoferrin is present in the sample. A positive result indicates inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, while a negative result suggests the absence of such inflammation.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for the lactoferrin fecal test is minimal, as it is a non-invasive test. Patients may resume their normal activities immediately after providing the stool sample. However, it is important for healthcare providers to discuss the results with the patient once they are available. If lactoferrin is detected, further evaluation and management may be necessary to address the underlying cause of inflammation, such as additional diagnostic testing or treatment for conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.

Short Descr LACTOFERRIN FECAL (QUAL)
Medium Descr LACTOFERRIN FECAL QUALITATIVE
Long Descr Lactoferrin, fecal; qualitative
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.
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
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.
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.
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
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2006-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
2005-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2005.
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