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Official Description

Vitamin K

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 84597 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure the levels of vitamin K in the blood. Vitamin K plays a crucial role in the body's ability to form blood clots, a process known as coagulation. This vitamin can be obtained through the consumption of certain foods, such as leafy green vegetables, and is also synthesized by bacteria present in the intestines. The measurement of vitamin K levels is important because decreased levels can lead to complications related to blood clotting, which may arise from various conditions, including certain malabsorption syndromes that hinder the body's ability to absorb nutrients effectively. Additionally, the use of antibiotics can disrupt the natural bacterial flora in the intestines, potentially leading to lower vitamin K production. The test involves obtaining a blood sample, which is typically collected through a procedure known as venipuncture. The serum from the blood sample is then analyzed using a method called quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography, which allows for precise measurement of vitamin K concentrations in the blood.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The vitamin K blood test (CPT® Code 84597) is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Malabsorption Syndromes - Conditions that impair the body's ability to absorb nutrients, which may lead to decreased vitamin K levels.
  • Antibiotic Use - The use of antibiotics can disrupt intestinal bacteria that produce vitamin K, potentially resulting in lower levels of this vitamin.

2. Procedure

The procedure for measuring vitamin K levels involves several key steps:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation - Prior to the blood draw, the patient may be instructed to avoid certain foods or medications that could affect vitamin K levels, although specific preparation guidelines are not detailed in the provided data.
  • Step 2: Venipuncture - A qualified healthcare professional performs venipuncture to obtain a blood sample. This involves inserting a needle into a vein, typically in the arm, to collect the necessary volume of blood for testing.
  • Step 3: Serum Separation - After collection, the blood sample is processed to separate the serum from the cellular components. This is essential for accurate testing of vitamin K levels.
  • Step 4: High-Performance Liquid Chromatography - The serum is then analyzed using quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This sophisticated technique allows for the precise measurement of vitamin K concentrations in the serum, providing accurate results for clinical assessment.

3. Post-Procedure

After the blood sample has been collected and processed, there are generally no specific post-procedure care instructions required for the patient. However, patients may be advised to monitor the venipuncture site for any signs of excessive bleeding or infection. Results from the vitamin K test will typically be communicated to the healthcare provider, who will interpret the findings in the context of the patient's overall health and any symptoms they may be experiencing.

Short Descr ASSAY OF VITAMIN K
Medium Descr ASSAY OF VITAMIN K
Long Descr Vitamin K
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.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
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
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
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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