How To Use CPT Code 0010U

CPT 0010U describes the process of bacterial strain typing using whole genome sequencing and provides a phylogenetic-based report of strain relatedness. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of CPT code 0010U.

1. What is CPT Code 0010U?

CPT 0010U can be used to identify and analyze the genetic type and relatedness of bacterial strains through whole genome sequencing. This test is performed on multiple bacterial cultures to determine the degree of relatedness and provide a phylogenetic-based report. It is specifically offered by Mayo Clinic for Staphylococcus aureus isolates.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0010U is: ‘Infectious disease (bacterial), strain typing by whole genome sequencing, phylogenetic-based report of strain relatedness, per submitted isolate.’

3. Procedure

1. The laboratory receives multiple bacterial cultures for analysis.
2. Each bacterial culture isolate is subjected to whole genome sequencing.
3. The genome of each isolate is mapped and analyzed for genetic type and relatedness.
4. A phylogenetic-based report is generated to determine the degree of relatedness between the bacterial strains.
5. The report provides valuable information for evaluating outbreaks of disease, identifying sources of recurring infection, and understanding the genetic characteristics of bacterial strains.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 0010U is typically ordered by clinicians to evaluate hospital-based or community outbreaks of disease or to identify the source of recurring infection. It can be used for multiple specimens from a single patient to aid in the identification of the causative agent. The test is performed on bacterial cultures, which are obtained through laboratory cultivation of microorganisms or cells in a special growth medium.

5. When to use CPT code 0010U

CPT code 0010U should be used when there is a need to determine the genetic type and relatedness of bacterial strains through whole genome sequencing. It is specifically performed for Staphylococcus aureus isolates. This test can be ordered to investigate outbreaks of disease, identify sources of recurring infection, or evaluate multiple specimens from a single patient.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0010U, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as evaluation of outbreaks or recurring infections
• Details of the bacterial cultures submitted for analysis
• Date of the test
• Results of the whole genome sequencing and the phylogenetic-based report
• Signature of the clinician who ordered the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0010U, ensure that the test is performed by Mayo Clinic for bacterial strain typing using whole genome sequencing. This code should not be reported with any other CPT code. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer and use the appropriate modifiers, if required.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0010U was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on August 1, 2017. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A clinician orders CPT code 0010U to analyze multiple bacterial cultures and determine the genetic relatedness of strains causing an outbreak of a hospital-acquired infection.
2. A laboratory receives bacterial cultures from a patient with recurring urinary tract infections, and CPT code 0010U is used to identify the genetic type and relatedness of the bacterial strains.
3. A public health department requests CPT code 0010U to investigate a community outbreak of a bacterial disease and determine the source of infection.
4. A clinician orders CPT code 0010U to analyze bacterial cultures from a patient with a suspected foodborne illness and identify the genetic characteristics of the causative strain.
5. A hospital laboratory uses CPT code 0010U to evaluate the relatedness of bacterial strains isolated from different patients to identify potential transmission within the healthcare facility.
6. A clinician orders CPT code 0010U to analyze bacterial cultures from a patient with recurrent skin infections and determine if the strains are genetically related.
7. A research institution utilizes CPT code 0010U to study the genetic diversity and relatedness of bacterial strains isolated from different geographical regions.
8. A clinician orders CPT code 0010U to analyze bacterial cultures from a patient with a suspected outbreak of a drug-resistant infection and determine the relatedness of the strains.
9. A laboratory performs CPT code 0010U on bacterial cultures obtained from a patient with a suspected healthcare-associated infection to investigate the genetic relatedness of the strains.
10. A clinician orders CPT code 0010U to analyze bacterial cultures from a patient with a suspected zoonotic infection and determine if the strains are genetically similar to those found in animals.