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Official Description

Urea nitrogen, clearance

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 84545 refers to the procedure for measuring urea nitrogen clearance, which involves obtaining a blood sample to quantify the total blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level. Urea is a metabolic waste product generated in the liver during the breakdown of proteins, a process that occurs through a series of chemical reactions known as the urea or Krebs-Henseleit cycle. Once produced, urea enters the bloodstream and is subsequently filtered by the kidneys, where it is excreted in the urine. The measurement of BUN is crucial for evaluating renal function, as it provides insights into the kidneys' ability to filter waste from the blood. This test is particularly important for monitoring patients with existing renal disease and assessing the effectiveness of dialysis treatments. Additionally, BUN levels may be evaluated in patients suffering from acute or chronic illnesses that can impact renal function. It is important to note that this specific code, 84545, involves the collection of a urine sample over a 24-hour period, distinguishing it from other related codes such as 84525, which utilizes a reagent strip for urine testing, and 84540, which measures only the BUN without the clearance aspect.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 84545 is indicated for several clinical scenarios where assessment of renal function is necessary. The following conditions may warrant the measurement of urea nitrogen clearance:

  • Evaluation of Renal Function This test is performed to assess how well the kidneys are functioning in filtering waste products from the blood.
  • Monitoring Renal Disease Patients with existing renal disease may require regular monitoring of BUN levels to track the progression of their condition.
  • Effectiveness of Dialysis The procedure is used to evaluate how effectively dialysis is removing waste products from the blood in patients undergoing this treatment.
  • Acute or Chronic Illnesses BUN levels may also be measured in patients with acute or chronic illnesses that can affect renal function, providing critical information for management and treatment decisions.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 84545 involves several key steps to ensure accurate measurement of urea nitrogen clearance. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation Prior to the test, the patient may be instructed to follow specific dietary restrictions or hydration guidelines to ensure accurate results. It is essential to inform the patient about the importance of adhering to these instructions.
  • Step 2: Urine Collection A urine sample is collected over a 24-hour period. The patient is typically provided with a container to collect all urine produced during this time. It is crucial that the entire volume of urine is collected to ensure the accuracy of the clearance calculation.
  • Step 3: Blood Sample Collection In conjunction with the urine collection, a blood sample is obtained to measure the total blood urea nitrogen level. This sample is usually drawn at the end of the 24-hour urine collection period.
  • Step 4: Laboratory Analysis Both the urine and blood samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis. The laboratory will measure the concentration of urea nitrogen in both samples, which is necessary for calculating the urea nitrogen clearance.
  • Step 5: Calculation of Clearance The urea nitrogen clearance is calculated using the results from the urine and blood samples. This calculation provides valuable information regarding the kidneys' filtering capacity and overall renal function.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the urea nitrogen clearance test, patients may resume their normal activities unless otherwise instructed by their healthcare provider. There are typically no specific post-procedure care requirements; however, patients should be informed about the importance of following up with their healthcare provider to discuss the results of the test. The results will help guide further management of any underlying renal conditions or other health issues that may have been evaluated through this procedure.

Short Descr UREA-N CLEARANCE TEST
Medium Descr UREA NITROGEN CLEARANCE
Long Descr Urea nitrogen, clearance
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
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
X2 Continuous/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians whose expertise is needed for the ongoing management of a chronic disease or a condition that needs to be managed and followed with no planned endpoint to the relationship; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to: a rheumatologist taking care of the patient's rheumatoid arthritis longitudinally but not providing general primary care services
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.
AY Item or service furnished to an esrd patient that is not for the treatment of esrd
Date
Action
Notes
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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Description
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Description
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