Need help choosing the right code?
Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.
Try CasePilot© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The CPT® Code 83915 refers to a laboratory test that measures the levels of 5'-nucleotidase (5'-NT) in the blood. This enzyme is produced primarily by the liver and plays a role in various metabolic processes. The measurement of 5'-NT levels is significant in the clinical setting as elevated levels can indicate underlying liver conditions. Specifically, increased 5'-NT levels may be associated with cholestasis, which is a condition characterized by impaired bile flow, liver disease or damage, hepatitis, and the presence of liver tumors. The test is performed by obtaining a blood sample through a procedure known as venipuncture, which is separately reportable. The serum obtained from the blood sample is then analyzed using a quantitative enzymatic methodology, allowing for precise measurement of the enzyme levels. This test is crucial for healthcare providers in diagnosing and monitoring liver-related health issues.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The 5'-nucleotidase (5'-NT) test is indicated for the evaluation of various liver conditions. The following are the specific indications for performing this test:
The procedure for measuring 5'-nucleotidase levels involves several key steps that ensure accurate results. First, a healthcare professional will perform a venipuncture, which is the process of puncturing a vein to obtain a blood sample. This step is crucial as it allows for the collection of serum, which is necessary for the subsequent analysis. Once the blood sample is collected, it is processed to separate the serum from the cellular components. The serum is then subjected to quantitative enzymatic methodology, a laboratory technique that measures the concentration of 5'-nucleotidase in the serum. This methodology is designed to provide precise and reliable results, which are essential for diagnosing and monitoring liver conditions. The entire procedure is performed in a controlled laboratory environment to maintain the integrity of the sample and ensure accurate testing outcomes.
After the blood sample has been collected and the test has been performed, there are generally no specific post-procedure care requirements for the patient. However, it is important for healthcare providers to monitor the patient for any potential complications related to venipuncture, such as bruising or discomfort at the puncture site. The results of the 5'-nucleotidase test will be analyzed and reported, providing valuable information regarding the patient's liver function. Based on the results, further diagnostic testing or treatment may be recommended, depending on the clinical context and the presence of any underlying liver conditions.
| Short Descr | ASSAY OF NUCLEOTIDASE | Medium Descr | ASSAY OF NUCLEOTIDASE 5'- | Long Descr | Nucleotidase 5'- | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| 2006-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.