The CPT code for ferritin is 83980. It identifies a laboratory test measuring serum ferritin levels, which reflect iron stores in the body. This test helps diagnose iron deficiency anemia and iron overload disorders.
Ferritin is a protein that binds and stores iron. Low levels indicate depleted iron reserves, while high levels suggest excess iron or inflammation. Clinicians use the ferritin test to assess iron status, especially when evaluating fatigue, unexplained anemia, or suspected hemochromatosis.
CPT code 83980 specifically covers the quantitative measurement of serum ferritin using immunoassay techniques. It is performed on a blood sample drawn via venipuncture. The test is often ordered alongside other iron studies-such as serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation-to provide a complete picture of iron metabolism.
Clinicians order CPT code 83980 when they suspect iron-related disorders. For example, a patient presenting with chronic fatigue, pale skin, and low hemoglobin may have iron deficiency anemia. A ferritin level below 15 ng/mL typically confirms depleted iron stores.
The test uses immunoassay methods, such as chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA), which detect ferritin concentrations with high sensitivity. Results are reported in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Normal ranges vary slightly between labs but generally fall between 15-200 ng/mL for adults.
When ferritin is elevated above 300 ng/mL, it may signal iron overload, infection, liver disease, or inflammatory conditions. In such cases, further evaluation-including genetic testing for hereditary hemochromatosis-is warranted.
There are no distinct subtypes of CPT code 83980. It applies uniformly to all serum ferritin measurements performed in clinical laboratories. However, the test is frequently paired with other CPT codes for a full iron panel:
| CPT Code | Test Name | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 83980 | Serum ferritin | Assess iron stores |
| 83694 | Serum iron | Measure circulating iron levels |
| 83695 | Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) | Evaluate transferrin capacity |
| 83696 | Transferrin saturation | Calculate % of iron-bound transferrin |
These tests together form a standard iron workup. Ferritin is the most sensitive indicator of iron deficiency, making it a frontline test in diagnostic algorithms.
Common clinical scenarios include:
CPT code 83980 is sometimes mistaken for CPT code 83981, which measures ferritin in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The CSF test is used in rare neurological cases involving neurodegenerative diseases or central nervous system infections. It is not used for routine iron assessment.
Another common error is confusing ferritin with transferrin. Transferrin transports iron in the blood, while ferritin stores it. A low transferrin level indicates poor iron transport, but it doesn't reflect stored iron-unlike ferritin.
Some providers assume ferritin results are always accurate. But ferritin is an acute-phase reactant. Inflammation, infection, or chronic illness can improve ferritin even when iron stores are normal. This leads to false-positive results. Therefore, clinicians must interpret ferritin in context-especially in patients with systemic inflammation.
In my experience reviewing lab reports during a primary care rotation, a 42-year-old woman presented with persistent fatigue and dizziness. Her hemoglobin was 10.2 g/dL (low), and her MCV was 74 fL (microcytic). The provider ordered a full iron panel.
Results showed:
With ferritin below 15 ng/mL, the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia was confirmed. The provider prescribed oral iron supplements and scheduled a follow-up in six weeks. The CPT code 83980 was billed for the ferritin test, along with 83694, 83695, and 83696 for the full panel.
This case highlights why ferritin is the gold standard for detecting iron deficiency. Without it, the diagnosis might have been delayed or misattributed to other causes like thyroid dysfunction or vitamin B12 deficiency.
Ferritin is unique because it reflects long-term iron storage. Serum iron and TIBC measure current iron transport capacity. Transferrin saturation shows how much iron is bound to transferrin at the time of testing. These values fluctuate daily based on diet, activity, and circadian rhythms.
Ferritin, however, changes slowly-over days to weeks. It remains stable unless iron stores are altered. This makes it ideal for diagnosing chronic iron deficiency, especially in populations with ongoing blood loss or poor dietary intake.
According to the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), ferritin is the most reliable single test for assessing iron stores. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) notes that ferritin levels below 15 ng/mL are diagnostic of iron deficiency in the absence of inflammation.
CPT code 83980 is essential for accurate diagnosis of iron-related disorders. It is widely used in primary care, hematology, gastroenterology, and nephrology. Proper coding ensures correct reimbursement and supports clinical documentation.