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Age at First Use of Cocaine or Crack Questionnaire

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This questionnaire documents the age at which you first used cocaine or crack. Rather than a blood or lab test, it is a question your healthcare provider asks during your visit, and your answer is saved in your confidential medical record using the standard code 91385-5. Knowing this age helps your care team understand your overall health history and evaluate any potential risks to your heart and blood vessels, so they can recommend appropriate screenings, counseling, and preventive care tailored to you.

Quick summary

{"Records your reported age of first cocaine or crack use","Helps doctors understand your potential risk for heart-related complications","Information is kept strictly confidential between you and your healthcare provider","Your honest answers help provide better medical care","This is a simple history question, not a blood test analysis"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
91385-5
Short code
COCAGE
Synonyms
Age first used cocaine or crack
Category
cardiac
Sample
serum
Container
Not applicable - this is a questionnaire-based assessment, not a specimen collection
Units
N/A
Ref low
3.5
Ref high
5
Critical range
2.5 N/A – 6.5 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
12–100 years
Method
Structured questionnaire interview
CPT
99408
SNOMED
22829006
Specimen volume
Not applicable
Stability
Not applicable
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

This is not a blood test in the traditional sense. Instead, your healthcare provider will ask you (or note from your medical history) the age at which you first used cocaine or crack. The answer is recorded as part of your medical record using the LOINC standard code 91385-5. This information helps your doctor assess your overall health profile and potential risks.

Why do healthcare providers ask about cocaine use?

Cocaine, especially in the form of crack, can have significant effects on the heart and cardiovascular system. Knowing your history of cocaine use helps your doctor: understand potential heart-related risks, make more informed decisions about certain medications, assess your risk for heart disease or irregular heartbeats, and provide appropriate preventive care recommendations.

Is this information kept private?

Yes. All information you share with your healthcare provider about substance use is protected by patient privacy laws (such as HIPAA in the United States). This information becomes part of your confidential medical record and is only used for your medical care. Healthcare providers are trained to ask these questions in a non-judgmental way because they need this information to provide you with the best possible care.

Reference range

Adult: 3.5-5.0 mmol/LN/A

Specimen: serum

Patient should be informed that this is a confidential screening questionnaire about substance use history. Responses are voluntary and protected under HIPAA regulations. No special preparation required.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

Will I be judged for my past drug use?
No. Healthcare providers ask these questions purely for medical reasons, not to judge you. Medical professionals are trained to discuss substance use history in a professional, non-judgmental manner. Being honest helps them provide you with better healthcare.
Does having used cocaine mean I have heart problems?
Not necessarily. Many people who have used cocaine never develop heart problems. However, cocaine does increase cardiac risk, so your doctor may recommend certain screenings or preventive measures based on your history.
Do I have to answer this question?
You can choose not to answer, but keep in mind that this information helps your healthcare provider give you the best possible care. If you are uncomfortable, you can ask your provider why they need this information.
Will this information affect my insurance?
Your medical records are protected by privacy laws. Insurance companies typically cannot access detailed medical history information without your explicit authorization. What is shared with insurers is usually limited to diagnosis codes and treatment information, not specific questionnaire responses.
  1. 1
    National Institute on Drug Abuse - CocaineSource
  2. 2
    American Heart Association - Cocaine and Heart DiseaseSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy