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Official Description

Mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry (eg, MS, MS/MS, MALDI, MS-TOF, QTOF), non-drug analyte(s) not elsewhere specified, qualitative or quantitative, each specimen

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Mass spectrometry (MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) are sophisticated analytical techniques utilized for the detection and analysis of molecules by electronically measuring their weight. The results of these measurements are presented in the form of a mass spectrum graph, which illustrates both the presence of various molecules (qualitative results) and the specific quantities of each molecule (quantitative results) within a given sample. The samples analyzed can be in various states, including liquid, solid, or gas. The process may involve a single-step phase (MS) or a more complex multi-step process where fragmentation occurs between stages (MS/MS). One specific method, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI), is particularly useful for mass spectrometry imaging of thin tissue samples. In this technique, the sample is either embedded in or mixed with a matrix material that absorbs the laser's irradiation wavelength, facilitating the ionization of the analyte for subsequent mass spectrum recording. Another method, mass spectrometry time-of-flight (MS-TOF), accelerates ions through an electric field of a predetermined strength, ensuring that all ions with the same charge possess identical kinetic energy. The velocity of these ions is contingent upon their mass-to-charge ratio, which is determined by measuring the time it takes for the ion particles to reach a detector positioned at a known distance under specific experimental conditions. These mass spectrometry techniques find applications across various fields, including biochemistry for measuring proteins, peptides, sugars, and oligonucleotides, as well as in the pharmaceutical industry for drug discovery, combinatorial chemistry, pharmacokinetics, and drug metabolism. In clinical medicine, they are employed for newborn screening and drug testing. The CPT® Code 83789 is designated for reporting qualitative or quantitative testing of non-drug analytes that are not specified elsewhere.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 83789 is indicated for the qualitative or quantitative analysis of non-drug analytes that are not specified elsewhere. This testing is essential in various clinical and research settings where the identification and measurement of specific molecules are required for diagnostic or analytical purposes.

  • Qualitative Analysis This involves determining the presence or absence of specific non-drug analytes in a sample, which can be critical for diagnosing certain conditions or monitoring health status.
  • Quantitative Analysis This entails measuring the concentration of non-drug analytes, providing valuable information regarding the levels of these substances in the sample, which can aid in clinical decision-making.

2. Procedure

The procedure for mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry involves several key steps that ensure accurate detection and analysis of non-drug analytes. Each step is crucial for obtaining reliable results.

  • Sample Preparation The first step involves preparing the sample, which may be in liquid, solid, or gas form. This preparation can include dilution, filtration, or other methods to ensure that the sample is suitable for analysis.
  • Ionization In this step, the prepared sample undergoes ionization, which is essential for mass spectrometry. Techniques such as MALDI may be employed, where the sample is mixed with a matrix material that absorbs laser energy, facilitating the ionization process.
  • Mass Analysis Once ionized, the sample is subjected to mass analysis. In MS, ions are separated based on their mass-to-charge ratio. In MS/MS, further fragmentation of ions occurs, allowing for more detailed analysis of complex mixtures.
  • Detection The final step involves detecting the separated ions and recording the results as a mass spectrum. This spectrum provides both qualitative and quantitative data regarding the non-drug analytes present in the sample.

3. Post-Procedure

After the mass spectrometry procedure is completed, the results are analyzed and interpreted. The mass spectrum generated will indicate the presence and quantity of the non-drug analytes tested. It is essential for healthcare professionals to review these results in conjunction with clinical findings to make informed decisions regarding patient care. Additionally, proper documentation of the procedure and results is necessary for compliance and billing purposes. Follow-up actions may include further testing or monitoring based on the findings from the mass spectrometry analysis.

Short Descr MASS SPECTROMETRY QUAL/QUAN
Medium Descr MASS SPECT&TANDEM MASS SPECT NONDRG ANAL NES EA
Long Descr Mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry (eg, MS, MS/MS, MALDI, MS-TOF, QTOF), non-drug analyte(s) not elsewhere specified, qualitative or quantitative, each specimen
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 4
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.
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.
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.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
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
2017-01-01 Changed Guideline changed.
2016-01-01 Changed Description Changed
1999-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1999.
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