Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
CareerCenter
Medical Coding Job Board
Log in Register free account

Need help choosing the right code?

Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.

Try CasePilot

Official Description

Lipoprotein (a)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 83695 refers to the laboratory test for measuring lipoprotein (a), commonly abbreviated as Lp (a). This test is crucial for assessing the levels of lipoprotein (a) in the blood, which is a type of lipoprotein that consists of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol bound to a specific protein known as apolipoprotein (a). The measurement of Lp (a) is significant because its levels are primarily determined by genetic factors and tend to remain stable throughout an individual's life. This test serves as an important risk marker for cardiovascular disease, as elevated levels of lipoprotein (a) can indicate an increased risk for heart-related conditions. Factors that may lead to elevated Lp (a) levels include hormonal changes such as depleted estrogen, genetic conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia, and other health issues such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, and kidney disease. To perform this test, a blood sample is collected, typically through a procedure known as venipuncture, which is separately reportable. The analysis of the serum or plasma is conducted using a method called quantitative immunoturbidimetry, which allows for accurate measurement of lipoprotein (a) concentrations in the blood.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The lipoprotein (a) test, coded as CPT® 83695, is indicated for various clinical scenarios where assessing cardiovascular risk is essential. The following conditions and factors may warrant the performance of this test:

  • Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment This test is utilized as a risk marker for cardiovascular diseases, helping to identify individuals at higher risk.
  • Familial Hypercholesterolemia Individuals with a family history of high cholesterol levels may be tested to evaluate their risk of developing cardiovascular issues.
  • Hormonal Changes Conditions leading to depleted estrogen levels may prompt testing, as these hormonal changes can influence lipoprotein (a) levels.
  • Hypothyroidism Patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism may require this test to assess their cardiovascular risk, as thyroid function can affect lipid metabolism.
  • Diabetes Individuals with diabetes may be tested for lipoprotein (a) levels due to the increased risk of cardiovascular complications associated with the condition.
  • Kidney Disease Patients with kidney disease may also be evaluated for elevated lipoprotein (a) levels, as kidney function can impact lipid profiles.

2. Procedure

The procedure for obtaining a lipoprotein (a) measurement involves several key steps that ensure accurate results. The first step is the collection of a blood sample from the patient, which is typically performed through venipuncture. This procedure involves inserting a needle into a vein, usually in the arm, to draw blood. It is important that the blood sample is collected in a manner that minimizes contamination and ensures the integrity of the sample. Once the blood is drawn, it is placed in a suitable container for processing.

After collection, the blood sample is processed to separate the serum or plasma from the cellular components. This separation is crucial as the lipoprotein (a) levels are measured in the serum or plasma. The next step involves the application of quantitative immunoturbidimetry, a laboratory technique that quantifies the concentration of lipoprotein (a) in the sample. This method relies on the principle of light scattering, where the presence of lipoprotein (a) in the sample causes a change in light transmission, which is then measured to determine the concentration of lipoprotein (a). The results are then analyzed and reported to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management of the patient's cardiovascular risk.

3. Post-Procedure

After the lipoprotein (a) test is performed, there are generally no specific post-procedure care requirements for the patient. However, it is advisable for patients to remain hydrated and to follow any additional instructions provided by the healthcare provider. The results of the test will typically be reviewed in conjunction with other lipid panel results and clinical assessments to determine the patient's overall cardiovascular risk profile. If elevated levels of lipoprotein (a) are detected, the healthcare provider may discuss potential lifestyle modifications, further testing, or treatment options based on the patient's individual health status and risk factors.

Short Descr ASSAY OF LIPOPROTEIN(A)
Medium Descr LIPOPROTEIN (A)
Long Descr Lipoprotein (a)
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.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
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
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.
AY Item or service furnished to an esrd patient that is not for the treatment of esrd
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
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
GX Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy
Q3 Live kidney donor surgery and related services
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
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
2006-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2006.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"