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Official Description

Creatinine; other source

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 82570 refers to the measurement of creatinine levels from a source other than blood. Creatinine is a biochemical waste product that results from the normal metabolism of creatine, a substance that plays a crucial role in energy production within muscle cells. The kidneys are responsible for filtering creatinine from the blood, and its levels in the bloodstream serve as an important indicator of renal function. Elevated creatinine levels may suggest impaired kidney function, making this test vital for diagnosing and monitoring renal diseases. Additionally, creatinine levels are monitored in patients with acute or chronic conditions that could affect kidney health, as well as in individuals taking medications that may have nephrotoxic effects. The measurement of creatinine is typically performed using a laboratory technique known as spectrophotometry, which quantifies the concentration of creatinine in the sample. Furthermore, creatinine clearance tests, identified by CPT® Code 82575, involve analyzing both blood and urine samples to assess kidney function more comprehensively by calculating the creatinine content adjusted for urine volume and body size.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The measurement of creatinine levels using CPT® Code 82570 is indicated for various clinical scenarios, particularly those related to renal function assessment. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Renal Disease Screening Creatinine levels are checked to screen for potential renal diseases, allowing for early detection and intervention.
  • Monitoring Renal Function Patients with known renal conditions may have their creatinine levels monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and the progression of the disease.
  • Acute or Chronic Illnesses Individuals suffering from acute or chronic illnesses that could impair kidney function may require creatinine testing to assess renal health.
  • Medication Monitoring Patients on medications known to affect renal function may have their creatinine levels measured to ensure that their kidneys are functioning properly and to prevent potential nephrotoxicity.

2. Procedure

The procedure for measuring creatinine levels using CPT® Code 82570 involves several key steps, which are outlined below:

  • Sample Collection A sample other than blood is collected for the measurement of creatinine levels. This could include urine or other bodily fluids, depending on the specific clinical context and the physician's orders.
  • Laboratory Analysis The collected sample is then sent to a laboratory where it undergoes analysis. The laboratory utilizes spectrophotometry, a method that measures the absorbance of light by the sample, to determine the concentration of creatinine present.
  • Result Interpretation Once the analysis is complete, the laboratory provides the results, which indicate the creatinine levels in the sample. These results are interpreted by healthcare professionals to assess renal function and make informed clinical decisions.

3. Post-Procedure

After the creatinine measurement procedure using CPT® Code 82570, there are generally no specific post-procedure care requirements for the patient, as the test is non-invasive and does not involve any significant risks. However, healthcare providers may advise patients to follow up with their physician to discuss the results and any necessary further evaluations or treatments based on the creatinine levels obtained. Continuous monitoring may be recommended for patients with existing renal issues or those on medications affecting kidney function.

Short Descr ASSAY OF URINE CREATININE
Medium Descr CREATININE OTHER SOURCE
Long Descr Creatinine; 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) Yes
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 3
CCS Clinical Classification 233 - Laboratory - Chemistry and Hematology
QW Clia waived test
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.
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.
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.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
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.
X1 Continuous/broad services: for reporting services by clinicians, who provide the principal care for a patient, with no planned endpoint of the relationship; services in this category represent comprehensive care, dealing with the entire scope of patient problems, either directly or in a care coordination role; reporting clinician service examples include, but are not limited to: primary care, and clinicians providing comprehensive care to patients in addition to specialty care
AY Item or service furnished to an esrd patient that is not for the treatment of esrd
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
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
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
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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.
95 Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system.
AB Audiology service furnished personally by an audiologist without a physician/npp order for non-acute hearing assessment unrelated to disequilibrium, or hearing aids, or examinations for the purpose of prescribing, fitting, or changing hearing aids; service may be performed once every 12 months, per beneficiary
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GT Via interactive audio and video telecommunication systems
JW Drug amount discarded/not administered to any patient
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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
PN Non-excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
Q3 Live kidney donor surgery and related services
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation 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
QJ Services/items provided to a prisoner or patient in state or local custody, however the state or local government, as applicable, meets the requirements in 42 cfr 411.4 (b)
QQ Ordering professional consulted a qualified clinical decision support mechanism for this service and the related data was provided to the furnishing professional
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
SA Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician
SK Member of high risk population (use only with codes for immunization)
SW Services provided by a certified diabetic educator
TC Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles
X3 Episodic/broad services: for reporting services by clinicians who have broad responsibility for the comprehensive needs of the patient that is limited to a defined period and circumstance such as a hospitalization; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to the hospitalist's services rendered providing comprehensive and general care to a patient while admitted to the hospital
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
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Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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