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The CPT® Code 84560 refers to a laboratory test that measures uric acid levels in urine or synovial fluid. Uric acid is a byproduct of the natural breakdown of purines, which are substances found in many foods and are also produced by the body. Under normal circumstances, uric acid is filtered by the kidneys and eliminated from the body through urine. However, when the levels of uric acid become elevated, it can indicate various health issues. Conditions such as kidney disease, certain types of cancer and their treatments, hemolytic anemia, heart failure, cirrhosis, and a diet rich in purines can lead to increased uric acid levels. Conversely, decreased levels of uric acid may be associated with gout, folic acid deficiency, and the use of specific medications. The testing process involves obtaining a urine specimen, which can be collected over a 24-hour period or as a random sample. The uric acid concentration is then measured using a technique known as quantitative spectrophotometry. In cases where synovial fluid is tested, it is typically aspirated from affected joints, often those in the feet and legs, where monosodium urate crystals may be present. This fluid is also analyzed using quantitative spectrophotometry to determine uric acid levels. The results of this test can provide valuable insights into a patient's metabolic state and assist healthcare providers in diagnosing and managing various medical conditions related to uric acid metabolism.
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The uric acid test (CPT® Code 84560) is indicated for the evaluation of various medical conditions associated with abnormal uric acid levels. The following conditions may warrant this test:
The procedure for testing uric acid levels involves several key steps to ensure accurate results. First, a urine specimen is collected, which can either be a 24-hour collection or a random sample. This collection method is crucial as it provides a comprehensive assessment of uric acid excretion over time or at a specific moment. Once the specimen is obtained, it is sent to a laboratory for analysis. The laboratory employs quantitative spectrophotometry, a precise method that measures the concentration of uric acid in the urine. In cases where synovial fluid is tested, the procedure begins with arthrocentesis, a separate and reportable procedure where fluid is aspirated from the affected joint(s). This is typically performed on joints that are symptomatic, such as those in the feet and legs, where conditions like gout may be suspected. The aspirated synovial fluid is then analyzed using the same quantitative spectrophotometry technique to determine the uric acid levels present in the fluid. This dual approach of testing both urine and synovial fluid provides a comprehensive view of the patient's uric acid metabolism and can aid in diagnosing conditions related to abnormal uric acid levels.
After the uric acid testing procedure, there are generally no specific post-procedure care requirements for patients, especially following urine collection. However, if arthrocentesis was performed to obtain synovial fluid, patients may be advised to rest the affected joint and monitor for any signs of swelling or infection at the aspiration site. It is important for healthcare providers to communicate the results of the uric acid test to the patient, as elevated or decreased levels may necessitate further evaluation or management of underlying conditions. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the results and any necessary treatment options based on the findings.
| Short Descr | ASSAY OF URINE/URIC ACID | Medium Descr | ASSAY OF URIC ACID OTHER SOURCE | Long Descr | Uric acid; other source | 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 | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | Q3 | Live kidney donor surgery and related services | Q4 | Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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