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Official Description

Testosterone; total

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 84403 refers to the laboratory test for measuring total testosterone levels in the blood. Testosterone is a crucial androgen hormone produced primarily in the testes of males, the ovaries of females, and the adrenal glands in both sexes. This hormone plays a significant role in various physiological processes, including the promotion of protein synthesis and the support of cell and tissue growth. The measurement of total testosterone is essential for evaluating hormonal balance and diagnosing conditions related to testosterone deficiency or excess. The test can be performed alongside other assessments, such as the measurement of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), which is reported under CPT® Code 84270. To obtain the necessary sample for this test, a blood draw is conducted, which is typically reported separately as a venipuncture procedure. The analysis of serum or plasma testosterone levels in adult males is commonly performed using quantitative electrochemiluminescent immunoassay techniques, where the results are calculated based on a mathematical expression that incorporates SHBG levels. For adult females and children, the testing is conducted using advanced methods such as quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry or electrochemiluminescent immunoassay, with results similarly derived from SHBG calculations. This comprehensive approach ensures accurate assessment of testosterone levels, aiding in the diagnosis and management of various endocrine disorders.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The CPT® Code 84403 is indicated for use in various clinical scenarios where assessment of total testosterone levels is necessary. The following conditions may warrant this test:

  • Evaluation of Hypogonadism - This test is often performed to diagnose hypogonadism in males, characterized by low testosterone levels, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, decreased libido, and loss of muscle mass.
  • Assessment of Hyperandrogenism - In females, this test may be indicated to evaluate conditions associated with elevated testosterone levels, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or adrenal tumors.
  • Monitoring Hormone Replacement Therapy - The test can be used to monitor testosterone levels in patients undergoing hormone replacement therapy to ensure appropriate dosing and effectiveness of treatment.
  • Investigation of Infertility - In both males and females, measuring testosterone levels can help investigate potential hormonal causes of infertility.

2. Procedure

The procedure for obtaining a total testosterone measurement using CPT® Code 84403 involves several key steps, which are outlined below:

  • 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 a 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 to separate the serum or plasma, which is required for the testosterone assay. Proper handling and storage of the sample are crucial to maintain its integrity.
  • Step 4: Laboratory Analysis - The serum or plasma is analyzed using either quantitative electrochemiluminescent immunoassay or high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, depending on the patient's age and sex. The results are calculated based on the testosterone concentration and may involve SHBG levels.
  • Step 5: Result Interpretation - Once the analysis is complete, the laboratory provides a report detailing the total testosterone levels, which the healthcare provider will interpret in the context of the patient's clinical picture.

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 total testosterone test will be discussed with the patient during a follow-up appointment, where the healthcare provider will explain the findings and any necessary next steps based on the results.

Short Descr ASSAY OF TOTAL TESTOSTERONE
Medium Descr ASSAY OF TESTOSTERONE TOTAL
Long Descr Testosterone; total
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 2
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.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
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.
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
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.
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
X1 Continuous/broad services: for reporting services by clinicians, who provide the principal care for a patient, with no planned endpoint of the relationship; services in this category represent comprehensive care, dealing with the entire scope of patient problems, either directly or in a care coordination role; reporting clinician service examples include, but are not limited to: primary care, and clinicians providing comprehensive care to patients in addition to specialty care
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
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.
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main 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)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
PD Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days
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)
SA Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
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.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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