2025 CPT code 84443
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Laboratory - Chemistry Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Procedures > Chemistry Procedures Feed
This code represents a laboratory test to measure the amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in a patient's blood sample.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances, such as modifier 90 for reference laboratory services or other modifiers as per payer guidelines.
Medical necessity for a TSH test is established when a patient presents with symptoms or signs suggestive of thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism), during pregnancy monitoring, or as part of a comprehensive evaluation for other conditions.
The clinical responsibility lies with the laboratory analyst who performs the technical aspects of the TSH assay, which includes specimen preparation, execution of the assay (e.g., RIA, EIA), data analysis, and reporting of the quantitative TSH level.The ordering physician interprets the result in the context of the patient's clinical presentation and other diagnostic information.
- Pathology and Laboratory Procedures > Chemistry Procedures
- Pathology and Laboratory Procedures > Chemistry Procedures
In simple words: This lab test measures the level of TSH, a hormone that controls your thyroid gland. The test uses a blood sample to check if your thyroid is working properly. A high TSH level often means an underactive thyroid, while a low level can mean an overactive thyroid.
This CPT code, 84443, encompasses the analytical procedure for determining the quantitative level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in a patient's serum or plasma specimen.The process typically involves techniques such as radioimmunoassay (RIA) or enzyme immunoassay (EIA) using monoclonal antibodies.The test evaluates the amount of TSH, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates thyroid function. Results help diagnose conditions like hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels, high TSH) and hyperthyroidism (high thyroid hormone levels, low TSH).The reported result is a quantitative measurement of TSH concentration, expressed in appropriate units (e.g., mIU/L).
Example 1: A 45-year-old female patient presents with fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance.Her physician orders a TSH test to evaluate for possible hypothyroidism.A high TSH level confirms the diagnosis., A 30-year-old male patient presents with anxiety, weight loss, and palpitations. His physician orders a TSH test to assess for hyperthyroidism. A low TSH result supports the diagnosis., A pregnant woman undergoes routine thyroid function testing, including TSH measurement, to monitor for potential thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy, which could impact fetal development.
* Patient demographics and identifying information.* Reason for ordering the test (e.g., clinical symptoms suggestive of thyroid dysfunction).* Date and time of blood collection.* Proper labeling and handling of the blood specimen.* Results of the TSH assay, including the quantitative value and units.
** The normal TSH reference range can vary slightly between laboratories.Always refer to the laboratory's specific reference range for interpretation of results.Further testing, such as free T4 and free T3 measurements, may be necessary to fully evaluate thyroid function.
- Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE))
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Endocrinology, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital, Clinical Laboratory