READER QUESTIONS:
Be Proactive About Prolactin Coding
Published on Sat Jul 02, 2005
Question: What is the prolactin test? Is this performed only in females? How should I code it?
South Carolina Subscriber
Answer: The CPT code to test for this hormone is 84146 (Prolactin). You would need to be sure that you have the correct CLIA certificate to bill for it because this is not a waived lab test.
Prolactin is a hormone secreted by the anterior portion of the pituitary gland. Its role in the male has not been demonstrated, but in women, prolactin promotes lactation after childbirth.
Ob-gyns use the prolactin test to diagnose pituitary dysfunction that a tumor called an adenoma might cause.
In some circumstances, ob-gyns might use the test to evaluate the absence of menstrual periods or the spontaneous production of milk by a woman who is not pregnant or normally lactating following birth.
Doctors can perform a prolactin test on a man if they suspect a pituitary adenoma, so the test is not gender-specific.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
