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Official Description

Phosphatase, alkaline;

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 84075 refers to a laboratory test that measures the levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the blood. Alkaline phosphatase is a type of hydrolase enzyme that plays a crucial role in the removal of phosphate groups from various molecules. This enzyme is predominantly found in several tissues throughout the body, including the liver, bile ducts, kidneys, bones, and placenta. The measurement of ALP levels is significant because elevated levels can indicate various medical conditions, such as bile duct obstruction, Paget's disease, and certain types of tumors known as seminomas. Conversely, decreased levels of alkaline phosphatase may be associated with conditions such as hypophosphatasia, which is a genetic disorder, Wilson's disease, specific types of anemia or leukemia, and other factors such as postmenopausal estrogen therapy for osteoporosis, oral contraceptive use, cardiac surgery recovery in men, malnutrition, hypothyroidism, and certain pediatric conditions like achondroplasia, cretinism, or severe enteritis. The test is performed by obtaining a blood sample through venipuncture, which is a separate reportable procedure. The analysis of alkaline phosphatase levels is conducted using quantitative enzymatic methodologies on serum and/or plasma samples, providing essential information for diagnosing and monitoring various health conditions.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The alkaline phosphatase test (CPT® Code 84075) is indicated for the evaluation of various medical conditions and symptoms that may be associated with abnormal levels of alkaline phosphatase. The following conditions may warrant this test:

  • Bile Duct Obstruction - Elevated ALP levels may indicate a blockage in the bile ducts, which can lead to liver dysfunction.
  • Paget's Disease - This condition, characterized by abnormal bone remodeling, can result in increased alkaline phosphatase levels.
  • Seminomas - Certain testicular tumors may cause elevated ALP levels, making this test relevant for diagnosis and monitoring.
  • Hypophosphatasia - A genetic disorder that can lead to decreased ALP levels, indicating the need for testing in affected individuals.
  • Wilson's Disease - This genetic disorder affecting copper metabolism may also result in lower ALP levels.
  • Anemia/Leukemia - Certain types of blood disorders can influence alkaline phosphatase levels, necessitating testing.
  • Postmenopausal Women on Estrogen Therapy - Estrogen therapy for osteoporosis may affect ALP levels, making testing important for monitoring.
  • Oral Contraceptive Use - Women taking oral contraceptives may experience changes in ALP levels, warranting evaluation.
  • Men Following Cardiac Surgery - ALP levels may be altered in men recovering from cardiac procedures.
  • Malnutrition or Hypothyroidism - Both conditions can lead to decreased alkaline phosphatase levels, indicating the need for testing.
  • Children with Achondroplasia, Cretinism, or Severe Enteritis - These pediatric conditions may also affect ALP levels, making the test relevant for diagnosis.

2. Procedure

The procedure for measuring alkaline phosphatase levels involves several key steps that ensure accurate results. First, a qualified healthcare professional will perform venipuncture to obtain a blood sample from the patient. This step is crucial as it allows for the collection of serum or plasma, which is necessary for the subsequent analysis. Once the blood sample is collected, it is processed in a laboratory setting. The serum or plasma is then subjected to quantitative enzymatic methodology to measure the total alkaline phosphatase levels. This method involves the use of specific reagents that react with the alkaline phosphatase enzyme, producing measurable results that reflect the enzyme's concentration in the sample. It is important to note that the test results can vary based on several factors, including the patient's age, sex, and overall health status. Therefore, the interpretation of the results should be done in conjunction with clinical findings and other diagnostic tests.

3. Post-Procedure

After the alkaline phosphatase test is completed, 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 their healthcare provider. The results of the test will typically be reviewed by the physician, who will discuss the findings with the patient and determine if any further testing or treatment is necessary based on the ALP levels and the patient's clinical context. It is important for patients to understand that elevated or decreased alkaline phosphatase levels may require additional diagnostic evaluations to identify the underlying cause of the abnormal results.

Short Descr ASSAY ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE
Medium Descr ASSAY OF PHOSPHATASE ALKALINE
Long Descr Phosphatase, alkaline;
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) Yes
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
QW Clia waived test
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.
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
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.
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
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.
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)
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
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
Q0 Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
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
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
2010-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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