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Official Description

Progesterone

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 84144 refers to a laboratory test that measures the levels of progesterone in the blood. Progesterone is a steroid hormone that plays a crucial role in the reproductive system, particularly in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. It is classified as a progestogen and is primarily produced by the corpus luteum, which forms in the ovary after ovulation. This hormone is essential for preparing the uterine lining for potential implantation of a fertilized egg and maintaining pregnancy. Additionally, progesterone is produced by the placenta during pregnancy and is also synthesized by the adrenal glands. The measurement of progesterone levels is significant for confirming ovulation, as elevated levels indicate that ovulation has occurred. Furthermore, assessing progesterone levels can provide insights into the function of the corpus luteum, which is vital for sustaining early pregnancy. The test is performed by obtaining a blood sample through venipuncture, which is a separate reportable procedure. The serum obtained from the blood sample is then analyzed using a chemiluminescent immunoassay, a sensitive and specific method for detecting hormone levels in the bloodstream.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The progesterone test (CPT® Code 84144) is indicated for several clinical scenarios, particularly related to reproductive health and hormonal assessment. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this test:

  • Confirmation of Ovulation The test is utilized to confirm whether ovulation has occurred, which is essential for evaluating fertility and menstrual irregularities.
  • Assessment of Corpus Luteum Function It helps in assessing the functionality of the corpus luteum, which is crucial for maintaining early pregnancy and ensuring adequate progesterone levels.
  • Evaluation of Menstrual Irregularities The test may be performed in cases of abnormal menstrual cycles to determine if hormonal imbalances are present.
  • Monitoring of High-Risk Pregnancies In certain cases, progesterone levels may be monitored in high-risk pregnancies to ensure that the levels are sufficient to support the pregnancy.

2. Procedure

The procedure for obtaining a progesterone level involves several key steps that ensure accurate measurement of the hormone in the blood. The following procedural steps are typically followed:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation Prior to the blood draw, the patient may be instructed to avoid certain medications or supplements that could affect hormone levels. It is also important to inform the patient about the purpose of the test and any necessary preparations.
  • Step 2: Venipuncture A qualified healthcare professional performs venipuncture to obtain a blood sample. This involves cleaning the skin at the puncture site, applying a tourniquet to engorge the veins, and inserting a needle into a suitable vein, typically in the arm. The blood is collected into a sterile tube for further analysis.
  • Step 3: Serum Separation After the blood sample is collected, it is processed to separate the serum from the cellular components. This is typically done by centrifugation, which spins the blood at high speeds to separate the liquid portion from the solid elements.
  • Step 4: Laboratory Analysis The serum is then subjected to a chemiluminescent immunoassay, a laboratory technique that uses light-emitting reactions to quantify the amount of progesterone present in the sample. This method is known for its sensitivity and specificity in hormone measurement.

3. Post-Procedure

After the blood sample has been collected and processed, there are generally no specific post-procedure care requirements for the patient. However, patients may be advised to apply pressure to the puncture site to minimize bruising and bleeding. Results from the progesterone test are typically 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 hormone levels measured.

Short Descr ASSAY OF PROGESTERONE
Medium Descr ASSAY OF PROGESTERONE
Long Descr Progesterone
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.
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
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
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.
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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.
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.
95 Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system.
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
Date
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Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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