How To Use CPT Code 0008U

CPT 0008U describes the AmHPR Helicobacter pylori Antibiotic Resistance Panel by American Molecular Laboratories, Inc., which is a gene sequence analysis to test a fresh tissue specimen or fecal specimen for H. pylori antibiotic resistance. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of CPT code 0008U.

1. What is CPT Code 0008U?

CPT 0008U can be used to describe the AmHPR Helicobacter pylori Antibiotic Resistance Panel, a gene sequence analysis performed by American Molecular Laboratories, Inc. This test is used to detect the presence of H. pylori and determine its resistance to specific antibiotics. It can be performed on fresh tissue specimens, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue, or fecal samples.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0008U is: ‘Helicobacter pylori detection and antibiotic resistance, DNA, 16S and 23S rRNA, gyrA, pbp1, rdxA and rpoB, next generation sequencing, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded or fresh tissue or fecal sample, predictive, reported as positive or negative for resistance to clarithromycin, fluoroquinolones, metronidazole, amoxicillin, tetracycline, and rifabutin.’

3. Procedure

1. The AmHPR Helicobacter pylori Antibiotic Resistance Panel utilizes next-generation sequencing procedures to analyze the DNA of H. pylori.
2. A fresh tissue specimen, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue, or fecal sample is collected from the patient.
3. The specimen is processed in the laboratory, and the DNA is extracted.
4. The extracted DNA is then sequenced to identify specific genes associated with antibiotic resistance.
5. The genes analyzed include 16S and 23S rRNA, gyrA, pbp1, rdxA, and rpoB.
6. The results of the sequencing are reported as either positive or negative for resistance to clarithromycin, fluoroquinolones, metronidazole, amoxicillin, tetracycline, and rifabutin.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 0008U is used for patients who require testing for Helicobacter pylori infection and antibiotic resistance. This test can aid in the selection of appropriate antibiotic treatment for H. pylori in conditions such as gastric ulcers. It is important to note that this code is specific to the AmHPR Helicobacter pylori Antibiotic Resistance Panel performed by American Molecular Laboratories, Inc.

5. When to use CPT code 0008U

CPT code 0008U should be used when a gene sequence analysis is performed to detect Helicobacter pylori and determine its resistance to specific antibiotics. This code is specific to the AmHPR Helicobacter pylori Antibiotic Resistance Panel and should not be reported with any other CPT code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0008U, the following documentation is required:

• Patient information and relevant clinical history
• Type of specimen tested (fresh tissue, FFPE tissue, or fecal sample)
• Date of the test
• Results of the gene sequence analysis, indicating positive or negative for resistance to specific antibiotics
• Signature of the laboratory professional performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0008U, ensure that the test is performed by American Molecular Laboratories, Inc. and that the results are reported as positive or negative for resistance to specific antibiotics. This code should not be reported with any other CPT code. It is important to follow the specific billing guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0008U was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on August 1, 2017. On January 1, 2019, the code description was updated to include the option of testing formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples in addition to fresh tissue and fecal samples.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes the AmHPR Helicobacter pylori Antibiotic Resistance Panel to determine the antibiotic resistance profile of their H. pylori infection.
2. A gastroenterologist orders CPT code 0008U for a patient with gastric ulcers to guide the selection of appropriate antibiotic treatment.
3. A fresh tissue specimen is sent to American Molecular Laboratories, Inc. for gene sequence analysis to detect H. pylori and determine its resistance to specific antibiotics.
4. A patient with a history of H. pylori infection undergoes the AmHPR Helicobacter pylori Antibiotic Resistance Panel to assess the effectiveness of previous antibiotic treatment.
5. A physician orders CPT code 0008U for a patient with persistent H. pylori infection to identify the most suitable antibiotics for eradication therapy.
6. A fecal sample is collected from a patient with suspected H. pylori infection and sent for gene sequence analysis to determine antibiotic resistance.
7. A gastroenterologist utilizes CPT code 0008U to assess the antibiotic resistance profile of H. pylori in a patient with recurring peptic ulcers.
8. A formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sample is analyzed using the AmHPR Helicobacter pylori Antibiotic Resistance Panel to guide antibiotic treatment for a patient with H. pylori-associated gastritis.
9. A patient with a history of antibiotic treatment for H. pylori infection undergoes CPT code 0008U to assess the development of antibiotic resistance.
10. A physician orders the AmHPR Helicobacter pylori Antibiotic Resistance Panel for a patient with persistent dyspeptic symptoms to determine the appropriate antibiotics for eradication therapy.