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Official Description

Myoglobin

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 83874 refers to a laboratory test that measures the levels of myoglobin in the blood or urine. Myoglobin is a crucial protein that binds iron and oxygen, primarily found in muscle tissue. This test is significant as it helps in diagnosing conditions related to muscle injury, such as trauma, myocardial infarction (heart attack), or extreme physical exertion. When muscle tissue is damaged, myoglobin is released into the bloodstream, leading to elevated levels that can be detected through this test. It is important to note that high levels of myoglobin can be harmful, particularly to the kidneys, as they can be toxic to the renal tubules and may result in acute renal failure. The test can be performed using a blood sample, which is collected through a venipuncture, a procedure that is separately reportable. Additionally, urine samples can be collected either from a random voided sample or a 24-hour specimen. The analysis of serum, plasma, and urine for myoglobin levels is conducted using a quantitative electrochemiluminescent immunoassay, a sensitive and specific method for measuring this protein in the body.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The myoglobin test (CPT® Code 83874) is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Muscle Injury: The test is performed to assess muscle damage, which can occur due to trauma or other injuries.
  • Myocardial Infarction: Elevated myoglobin levels can indicate a heart attack, making this test useful in the diagnosis of acute coronary syndromes.
  • Extreme Exercise: The test may be indicated following intense physical activity that could lead to muscle breakdown and subsequent release of myoglobin into the bloodstream.

2. Procedure

The procedure for obtaining myoglobin levels involves several key steps:

  • Step 1: Sample Collection - Blood: A blood sample is obtained through a venipuncture, which is a standard procedure where a needle is inserted into a vein to draw blood. This step is crucial as it provides the serum or plasma needed for testing myoglobin levels.
  • Step 2: Sample Collection - Urine: Urine samples can be collected in two ways: either from a random voided sample, where the patient provides a sample at any time, or from a 24-hour specimen, which involves collecting all urine produced over a 24-hour period. This method ensures a comprehensive assessment of myoglobin levels in urine.
  • Step 3: Testing Methodology: The collected serum, plasma, or urine samples are then analyzed using a quantitative electrochemiluminescent immunoassay. This advanced testing method allows for precise measurement of myoglobin levels, providing valuable diagnostic information.

3. Post-Procedure

After the myoglobin test is performed, there are no specific post-procedure care requirements mentioned. However, it is essential for healthcare providers to monitor the patient for any signs of complications related to muscle injury or renal function, especially if elevated myoglobin levels are detected. Patients may be advised to follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss the results and any necessary further evaluations or treatments based on the findings of the test.

Short Descr ASSAY OF MYOGLOBIN
Medium Descr MYOGLOBIN
Long Descr Myoglobin
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.
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.
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.
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.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
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
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
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
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
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
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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
2015-01-01 Note AMA Guidelines removed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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