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Official Description

Testosterone; free

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 84402 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure the levels of free testosterone in the blood. Free testosterone is the fraction of testosterone that is not bound to proteins in the blood, making it biologically active and available for use by the body's tissues. This test is crucial for assessing testosterone levels, which play a significant role in various physiological processes, including the promotion of protein synthesis and the growth of cells and tissues. Testosterone is an androgen hormone produced primarily in the testes of males, the ovaries of females, and the adrenal glands of both sexes. The measurement of free testosterone is often performed alongside other tests, such as the total testosterone test (CPT® Code 84403) and the sex hormone binding globulin test (CPT® Code 84270), to provide a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's hormonal status. The testing process involves obtaining a blood sample through venipuncture, which is a standard procedure in laboratory settings. The analysis of serum or plasma samples from adult males typically employs quantitative electrochemiluminescent immunoassay techniques, while alternative methods such as quantitative equilibrium dialysis combined with high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry may also be utilized. For children and adult females, the testing is conducted using quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry or electrochemiluminescent immunoassay, with results calculated based on a mathematical expression that incorporates sex hormone binding globulin levels.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The CPT® Code 84402 is indicated for use in various clinical scenarios where assessment of free testosterone levels is necessary. The following conditions may warrant this test:

  • Evaluation of Hypogonadism - This test is often performed to diagnose hypogonadism in males, a condition characterized by insufficient testosterone production.
  • Assessment of Androgen Excess - In females, this test can help evaluate conditions associated with excess androgen levels, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
  • Monitoring Hormonal Therapy - The test may be used to monitor testosterone replacement therapy in males to ensure appropriate dosing and effectiveness.
  • Investigation of Infertility - It can be part of the workup for infertility in both men and women, as testosterone levels can impact reproductive health.

2. Procedure

The procedure for obtaining a free testosterone measurement using CPT® Code 84402 involves several key steps:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation - Prior to the blood draw, the patient may be advised to avoid certain medications or supplements that could affect testosterone levels. Fasting may also be recommended to ensure accurate results.
  • Step 2: Venipuncture - A qualified healthcare professional performs venipuncture to collect a blood sample. This involves inserting a needle into a vein, typically in the arm, to draw the necessary volume of blood for testing.
  • Step 3: Sample Handling - The collected blood sample is processed in the laboratory. Serum or plasma is separated from the blood cells, which is essential for accurate measurement of free testosterone levels.
  • Step 4: Laboratory Analysis - The serum or plasma sample is analyzed using quantitative electrochemiluminescent immunoassay for adult males, or high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for children and adult females. The results are calculated based on a mathematical expression that incorporates sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels.
  • Step 5: Result Interpretation - Once the analysis is complete, the laboratory provides the results to the ordering physician, who will interpret the findings in the context of the patient's clinical situation.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, patients may experience minor discomfort or bruising at the venipuncture site, which typically resolves quickly. There are no specific post-procedure care instructions required for this test, but patients should be advised to report any unusual symptoms or prolonged discomfort. The results of the free testosterone test will be reviewed by the healthcare provider, who will discuss the implications of the findings and any necessary follow-up actions or additional testing that may be required based on the results.

Short Descr ASSAY OF FREE TESTOSTERONE
Medium Descr ASSAY OF TESTOSTERONE FREE
Long Descr Testosterone; free
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
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
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.
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.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
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.
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.
AG Primary physician
AY Item or service furnished to an esrd patient that is not for the treatment of esrd
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
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Description Changed
1993-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1993.
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