CPT & LOINC Codes

CPT Codes

The American Medical Association Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published in this Laboratory Test Directory are provided for informational purposes only. The codes reflect our interpretation of CPT coding requirements, based upon AMA guidelines published annually. CPT codes are provided only as guidance to assist you in billing. ARUP strongly recommends that clients confirm CPT codes with their local intermediary or carrier, as requirements may differ from one carrier to another. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. ARUP Laboratories assumes no responsibility for billing errors due to reliance on the CPT codes published.

LOINC Codes

The Logical Observation Identifier Names and Codes (LOINC®) database provides a universal code system for reporting laboratory and other clinical observations. Its purpose is to identify observations in electronic messages such as Health Level Seven (HL7) observation messages, so that when hospitals, health maintenance organizations, pharmaceutical manufacturers, researchers, and public health departments receive such messages from multiple sources, they can automatically file the results in the right slots of their medical records, research, and/or public health systems. LOINC codes are being used by large reference laboratories and federal agencies, (e.g., the CDC and the Department of Veterans Affairs) and are part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) attachment proposal. LOINC codes in HL7 messages sent by reference laboratories help avoid the need to lump so many referral tests under the “sendout lab” code. To request LOINC codes, call Client Services.