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Official Description

C-reactive protein; high sensitivity (hsCRP)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 86141 refers to the high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) test, which is a specific blood test designed to measure the levels of hsCRP in the bloodstream. This test is particularly significant as it focuses on a narrow range of low concentrations of C-reactive protein, which is crucial for assessing the risk of various cardiovascular conditions. Elevated hsCRP levels can indicate an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, myocardial infarction, and peripheral vascular disease, especially in individuals who are otherwise healthy. C-reactive protein is classified as an acute phase protein, which means it is produced by the liver and released into the bloodstream in response to inflammation and infection. The hsCRP test is valuable in clinical settings as it helps healthcare providers evaluate inflammation levels that may not be apparent through other means. It is important to note that certain factors can influence hsCRP levels; for instance, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and statins may lead to decreased levels, while illness, tissue injury, infectious diseases, inflammatory conditions, or hormone replacement therapy can result in increased levels. Typically, this test is ordered alongside a lipid panel or other cardiac risk assessment tests to provide a comprehensive evaluation of a patient's cardiovascular health. The blood sample required for this test is obtained through a venipuncture, which is a separately reportable procedure, and the serum or plasma is analyzed using a quantitative immunoturbidimetric method to determine the hsCRP concentration.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) test is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment - The hsCRP test is utilized to evaluate the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in individuals, particularly those who are otherwise healthy.
  • Stroke Risk Evaluation - This test helps in assessing the potential risk of stroke by measuring inflammation levels associated with cardiovascular health.
  • Myocardial Infarction Risk - The hsCRP test is important for determining the risk of myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, by identifying elevated inflammatory markers.
  • Peripheral Vascular Disease Assessment - The test is also used to evaluate the risk of peripheral vascular disease, which affects blood flow to the limbs.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting the hsCRP test involves several key steps:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation - Prior to the test, the patient may be advised to avoid certain medications, such as NSAIDs and statins, which can affect hsCRP levels. However, specific instructions should be provided by the healthcare provider.
  • Step 2: Venipuncture - A qualified healthcare professional performs a venipuncture to obtain a blood sample. This involves inserting a needle into a vein, typically in the arm, to draw blood into a collection tube. The venipuncture is a separately reportable procedure.
  • Step 3: Sample Handling - Once the blood sample is collected, it is processed to separate the serum or plasma, which is necessary for the hsCRP analysis.
  • Step 4: Laboratory Analysis - The serum or plasma is then tested using a quantitative immunoturbidimetric method, which measures the concentration of hsCRP in the sample. This method provides accurate and reliable results regarding the levels of C-reactive protein.

3. Post-Procedure

After the hsCRP test is completed, there are generally no specific post-procedure care requirements for the patient. However, patients may be advised to monitor for any unusual symptoms at the venipuncture site, such as excessive bleeding or signs of infection. The results of the hsCRP test are typically reviewed in conjunction with other cardiac risk assessment tests, such as a lipid panel, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the patient's cardiovascular health. Healthcare providers will discuss the results with the patient and determine any necessary follow-up actions based on the findings.

Short Descr C-REACTIVE PROTEIN HS
Medium Descr C-REACTIVE PROTEIN HIGH SENSITIVITY
Long Descr C-reactive protein; high sensitivity (hsCRP)
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 235 - Other Laboratory
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
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
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.
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
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.
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
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.
Q5 Service furnished under a reciprocal billing 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
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
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.
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)
GX Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy
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
Q0 Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q3 Live kidney donor surgery and related services
UH Services provided in the evening
X5 Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2002-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2002.
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