What are CPT Codes?
CPT codes are 5-digit numeric codes maintained by the American Medical Association (AMA). They identify specific medical procedures and tests for billing purposes. When your doctor orders a blood test, the lab uses these codes to bill your insurance or provide you with a self-pay price.
Why Should You Know These Codes?
Compare prices
Shop for better rates at different labs
Verify orders
Ensure you're getting the tests you requested
Insurance claims
Understand your bills and dispute errors
Direct ordering
Order tests yourself through services like UltaLabTests
Glucose & Insulin
82947Glucose, quantitative
Fasting or random blood glucose
typical cost
82950Glucose tolerance test (GTT)
Oral glucose tolerance test with multiple draws
typical cost
83036Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
3-month average blood sugar measure
typical cost
84681Insulin, total
Fasting insulin level
typical cost
83525Insulin, free
Unbound insulin (rarely needed)
typical cost
86337Insulin antibodies
Detects antibodies against insulin
typical cost
Lipid Panel
80061Lipid panel
Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL (calculated), triglycerides
typical cost
83718HDL cholesterol, direct
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol
typical cost
83721LDL cholesterol, direct
Low-density lipoprotein (measured, not calculated)
typical cost
84478Triglycerides
Blood fat level (fasting preferred)
typical cost
82465Total cholesterol
Total cholesterol in blood
typical cost
84066Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)
More accurate CVD risk marker than LDL-C
typical cost
Liver Function
84450AST (SGOT)
Liver enzyme, also in heart/muscle
typical cost
84460ALT (SGPT)
Liver-specific enzyme
typical cost
82977GGT (Gamma-GT)
Liver enzyme sensitive to alcohol/meds
typical cost
82247Bilirubin, total
Liver function and hemolysis marker
typical cost
84075Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
Liver/bone enzyme
typical cost
Inflammation
86141CRP, high-sensitivity (hsCRP)
Cardiovascular inflammation marker
typical cost
86140CRP, standard
General inflammation marker
typical cost
84550Uric acid
Gout and metabolic marker
typical cost
82088Homocysteine
Cardiovascular and B-vitamin marker
typical cost
Vitamins & Minerals
82306Vitamin D, 25-hydroxy
Best measure of vitamin D status
typical cost
82607Vitamin B12
B12 level in blood
typical cost
82746Folate (folic acid)
B9 vitamin level
typical cost
82728Ferritin
Iron storage protein
typical cost
83735Magnesium, serum
Magnesium level in blood
typical cost
83735Magnesium, RBC
More accurate intracellular magnesium
typical cost
Comprehensive Panels
80053Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
14 tests: glucose, electrolytes, kidney, liver
typical cost
80048Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
8 tests: glucose, electrolytes, kidney
typical cost
85025Complete Blood Count (CBC)
RBC, WBC, platelets, hemoglobin
typical cost
81001Urinalysis
Urine screening test
typical cost
Tips for Getting Tests
- Ask for fasting tests:Most metabolic tests require 10-12 hour fast for accurate results
- Request specific codes:Tell your doctor exactly which CPT codes you want ordered
- Compare cash prices:Cash pay at direct labs is often cheaper than insurance copays
- Bundle wisely:Some panels are cheaper than ordering individual tests
- Check for insulin:Standard panels rarely include fasting insulin - request it separately
Order Tests Directly
You can order many of these tests yourself without a doctor's prescription through direct-to-consumer lab services. Results are typically available within 1-3 days.
Order Tests at UltaLabTests→Some states have restrictions on direct lab ordering. Check availability in your area.
Use These Tests With Our Calculators
Medical Disclaimer
The CPT Codes guide provided on Metabolicum is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.