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Official Description

Metanephrines

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 83835 refers to the measurement of metanephrines, which are metabolites of epinephrine, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. This procedure involves either a blood or urine test to assess the levels of metanephrines in the body. Elevated levels of metanephrines can indicate the presence of neuroendocrine tumors, such as pheochromocytomas, which are tumors that can affect the adrenal glands and lead to excessive production of catecholamines. Additionally, metanephrine levels may rise due to intense physical exercise, physiological stress from serious illnesses, or the ingestion of certain substances, including drugs like epinephrine, caffeine, and alcohol. The testing process requires a blood sample, which is obtained through a venipuncture that must be reported separately. For plasma testing, quantitative liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry is utilized, while for urine testing, either a random voided specimen or a 24-hour urine collection is analyzed using quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. This comprehensive approach ensures accurate measurement of metanephrine levels, aiding in the diagnosis and management of conditions related to abnormal catecholamine production.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 83835 is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Neuroendocrine Tumors - Elevated metanephrine levels may suggest the presence of pheochromocytomas, which are tumors that arise from adrenal gland tissue and can lead to excessive catecholamine production.
  • Intense Physical Exercise - Metanephrine levels can increase as a physiological response to strenuous physical activity.
  • Physiologic Stress - Situations involving significant stress, such as life-threatening illnesses, can elevate metanephrine levels due to the body's stress response.
  • Drug Ingestion - Certain substances, including epinephrine, caffeine, and alcohol, can lead to increased levels of metanephrines in the body.

2. Procedure

The procedure for measuring metanephrines involves several key steps, which are detailed as follows:

  • Step 1: Sample Collection - A blood sample is obtained through a venipuncture, which is a procedure where a needle is inserted into a vein to draw blood. This step is crucial as it provides the plasma needed for testing metanephrine levels.
  • Step 2: Plasma Testing - The collected blood sample is then processed, and the plasma is tested using quantitative liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. This advanced analytical technique allows for precise measurement of metanephrine concentrations in the plasma.
  • Step 3: Urine Testing - In addition to blood testing, a urine specimen may be collected, either as a random voided sample or as a 24-hour urine collection. This specimen is analyzed using quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, which is another sophisticated method for determining metanephrine levels in urine.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, patients may be advised to follow specific guidelines based on the type of sample collected. For blood tests, there are typically no special post-procedure care instructions, but patients should be monitored for any immediate reactions to the venipuncture. In the case of urine collection, patients may need to ensure that the urine is collected accurately over the specified time frame, especially for the 24-hour collection. Results from the metanephrine tests will be interpreted by healthcare professionals to determine if further diagnostic steps or treatments are necessary based on the findings.

Short Descr ASSAY OF METANEPHRINES
Medium Descr METANEPHRINES
Long Descr Metanephrines
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 2
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.
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
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.
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.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
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
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
X5 Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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