Home
Career Stage
Medical Students Residents Attendings CPT Codes Resources Blog Support

83497 Assay of 5-hiaa

Pathology & Lab

Also known as: 5-HIAA assay, serotonin metabolite test

Quantitative measurement of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (serotonin metabolite) in urine using high-performance liquid chromatography or colorimetric methods.

In Plain Language

carcinoid syndrome marker; serotonin breakdown product

Clinical Context

Screening for carcinoid tumors and neuroendocrine malignancies presenting with flushing, diarrhea, and bronchospasm. Elevated 24-hour urine 5-HIAA is highly specific for carcinoid.

RVU Information

CPT 83497 does not have a physician work RVU assigned by CMS. Reimbursement for this code is determined by payer-specific fee schedules.

Billing & Documentation

Lab and pathology codes require an order from the treating provider with clinical indication. For molecular pathology and genetic testing, document the specific analytes tested and clinical rationale.

How This Code Compares

This code has a work RVU of 0.00, meaning it does not have a physician work component assigned by CMS. In the Pathology & Lab category, 94% of codes share this characteristic.

Specialties

PathologyOncologyGastroenterology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CPT code 83497?

CPT 83497 (Assay of 5-hiaa) is a Pathology & Lab code. Quantitative measurement of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (serotonin metabolite) in urine using high-performance liquid chromatography or colorimetric methods.

Who uses CPT code 83497?

CPT 83497 is used by Pathology, Oncology, Gastroenterology. Screening for carcinoid tumors and neuroendocrine malignancies presenting with flushing, diarrhea, and bronchospasm. Elevated 24-hour urine 5-HIAA is highly specific for carcinoid.

When is CPT 83497 used?

Screening for carcinoid tumors and neuroendocrine malignancies presenting with flushing, diarrhea, and bronchospasm. Elevated 24-hour urine 5-HIAA is highly specific for carcinoid.

Track This Code in RVU Edge

Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against national data — all in one app.

CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.