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The CPT® Code 84140 refers to a laboratory test that measures the levels of pregnenolone in the blood. Pregnenolone is a steroid hormone that serves as a precursor to several other important hormones, including progesterone, androgens, estrogens, mineralocorticoids, and glucocorticoids. It is synthesized from cholesterol, which is a fundamental building block for steroid hormones. The measurement of pregnenolone levels can provide valuable insights into various hormonal functions and imbalances within the body. To perform this test, a blood sample is collected through a procedure known as venipuncture, which is separately reportable. The analysis of the serum or plasma is conducted using a sophisticated technique called quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). This method allows for precise quantification of pregnenolone levels, aiding healthcare providers in diagnosing and managing conditions related to hormonal imbalances.
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The pregnenolone test (CPT® Code 84140) is indicated for various clinical scenarios where hormonal assessment is necessary. The following conditions may warrant the measurement of pregnenolone levels:
The procedure for obtaining a pregnenolone level involves several key steps that ensure accurate and reliable results. First, a qualified healthcare professional will prepare the patient for venipuncture, which is the process of drawing blood from a vein. This may involve cleaning the skin with an antiseptic to reduce the risk of infection. Once the site is prepared, a tourniquet may be applied to the upper arm to engorge the veins, making them more visible and easier to puncture. The healthcare provider will then insert a sterile needle into the selected vein to collect the blood sample. It is important to ensure that the blood is drawn into the appropriate collection tube, which is often specified for serum or plasma analysis. After the blood is collected, the needle is removed, and pressure is applied to the puncture site to minimize bleeding. The collected sample is then labeled and sent to the laboratory for analysis. In the lab, the serum or plasma is subjected to quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), a highly sensitive and specific method that allows for the precise measurement of pregnenolone levels in the sample.
After the blood draw for the pregnenolone test, patients may experience minor discomfort or bruising at the puncture site, which typically resolves quickly. There are generally no specific post-procedure care instructions required for this test, but patients are advised to keep the area clean and dry. Results from the test are usually available within a few days, and healthcare providers will discuss the findings with the patient to determine any necessary follow-up actions or treatments based on the pregnenolone levels measured.
| Short Descr | ASSAY OF PREGNENOLONE | Medium Descr | PREGNENOLONE | Long Descr | Pregnenolone | 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. | 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 | 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. | 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. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | Q4 | Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption |
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| 1994-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1994. |
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