Laboratory Test for Measuring Total Serum Iron Levels
CPT® code 83540 is used to report a laboratory test that measures the total amount of iron in a patient’s serum or plasma. This test helps evaluate iron metabolism and diagnose conditions such as iron deficiency anemia, hemochromatosis, or other disorders related to abnormal iron storage and transport. It is commonly ordered as part of an anemia workup or when patients present with symptoms of fatigue, weakness, or pallor.
When to Use CPT® Code 83540
Report 83540 when:
- The provider orders a test to determine total iron concentration in the blood.
- The test result is used to assess iron deficiency, overload, or related metabolic disorders.
- The test is performed as a stand-alone measurement or as part of an iron studies panel.
- The laboratory method involves a quantitative assay of serum or plasma iron (not whole blood).
If additional parameters such as total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) or ferritin are measured, those should be reported using separate CPT® codes (e.g., 83550 for TIBC).
Documentation Requirements
Accurate documentation ensures proper billing and interpretation of results. Include:
- The clinical indication or diagnosis (e.g., anemia, fatigue, suspected iron overload)
- Date and time of specimen collection
- Type of specimen (serum or plasma)
- Method used for analysis
- Result value and reference range
- Ordering provider’s signature and credentials
Be sure to link the test result to a relevant ICD-10 code that supports medical necessity.
Billing Guidelines
- CPT® 83540 represents a single quantitative test for total iron.
- It may be billed separately or as part of a panel, depending on payer guidelines.
- Do not use this code for qualitative or screening assays—it must represent a definitive quantitative measurement.
- Verify payer-specific policies, as coverage may depend on clinical indication and documentation.
- Some payers require modifiers when multiple tests are performed during the same encounter.
Example
A provider orders an iron test to evaluate a patient with suspected anemia. The laboratory measures total serum iron and reports the result in micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL). The service is billed under CPT® code 83540 with supporting documentation that includes the patient’s diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia.
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