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Official Description

Protein, total, except by refractometry; urine

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 84156 refers to a laboratory test that measures the total protein levels in urine, specifically excluding methods that utilize refractometry. This test is significant because the presence of protein in urine, known as proteinuria, is not typical and can be indicative of underlying kidney damage or disease. The kidneys usually filter out proteins, allowing only minimal amounts to pass into the urine. Therefore, elevated protein levels can signal various health issues, including chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, as well as specific diseases like multiple myeloma. To conduct this test, a urine sample is collected, which can either be a 24-hour collection or a random sample. The analysis is performed using quantitative spectrophotometry, a method that quantifies the concentration of proteins in the urine, providing essential information for diagnosing and monitoring kidney health and related conditions.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The total protein urine test (CPT® Code 84156) is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Kidney Damage The presence of protein in urine can indicate potential damage to the kidneys, which may require further investigation.
  • Diabetes Patients with diabetes may experience elevated protein levels in urine, signaling possible diabetic nephropathy.
  • Hypertension High blood pressure can lead to kidney damage, and monitoring protein levels can help assess kidney function in these patients.
  • Multiple Myeloma This condition can cause abnormal protein levels in urine, making the test essential for diagnosis and monitoring.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting the total protein urine test involves several key steps to ensure accurate results:

  • Sample Collection A urine sample is obtained from the patient. This can either be a 24-hour collection, where all urine produced in a day is collected, or a random urine sample, which is taken at any time during the day. The choice of sample type may depend on the clinical scenario and physician preference.
  • Sample Preparation Once the urine sample is collected, it is prepared for analysis. This may involve mixing the sample to ensure homogeneity and possibly diluting it if necessary, depending on the concentration of proteins present.
  • Quantitative Spectrophotometry The prepared urine sample is then analyzed using quantitative spectrophotometry. This method measures the absorbance of light by the proteins in the urine, allowing for the calculation of total protein concentration. The results are typically reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

3. Post-Procedure

After the total protein urine test is completed, the results are evaluated by the healthcare provider. If elevated protein levels are detected, further diagnostic testing may be warranted to determine the underlying cause of proteinuria. Patients may be advised on follow-up appointments to monitor kidney function and manage any identified conditions. It is essential for healthcare providers to interpret the results in the context of the patient's overall health and medical history.

Short Descr ASSAY OF PROTEIN URINE
Medium Descr PROTEIN TOTAL XCPT REFRACTOMETRY URINE
Long Descr Protein, total, except by refractometry; urine
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.
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
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.
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
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.
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
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.
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
Q3 Live kidney donor surgery and related services
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.
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.
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)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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
PN Non-excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
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
QJ Services/items provided to a prisoner or patient in state or local custody, however the state or local government, as applicable, meets the requirements in 42 cfr 411.4 (b)
QW Clia waived test
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
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2004-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2004.
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