How To Use CPT Code 0140U

CPT 0140U describes a proprietary laboratory analysis (PLA) code for the ePlex® BCID Fungal Pathogens Panel from GenMark Diagnostics Inc. This code is used to report the identification of 15 common and emerging fungal targets in blood cultures using an automated amplified probe technique. In this article, we will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of CPT code 0140U.

1. What is CPT Code 0140U?

CPT 0140U is a proprietary laboratory analysis (PLA) code that is used to report the ePlex® BCID Fungal Pathogens Panel from GenMark Diagnostics Inc. This panel utilizes an automated amplified probe technique to rapidly detect 15 common and emerging fungal targets in positive blood cultures. The results of this analysis indicate whether each target is detected or not detected.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0140U is: ‘Infectious disease (fungi), fungal pathogen identification, DNA (15 fungal targets), blood culture, amplified probe technique, each target reported as detected or not detected.’

3. Procedure

1. The laboratory analyst utilizes the ePlex automated cartridge system from GenMark Diagnostics Inc. to analyze blood culture specimens.
2. The automated system incorporates microfluidics-based DNA hybridization to capture and signal probes, as well as electrochemical detection to analyze the specimens.
3. The ePlex BCID Fungal Pathogens Panel specifically detects 15 fungal targets, including 11 species of Candida, 2 Cryptococcus species, and a Fusarium and Rhodotorula species.
4. For each target, the analysis reports whether it is detected or not detected.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 0140U is used for the identification of fungal pathogens in blood cultures. It is typically ordered by clinicians when there is a suspicion of a fungal blood infection in a patient. The results of this analysis can aid in the selection of targeted antifungal therapy. This code is specific to the ePlex BCID Fungal Pathogens Panel from GenMark Diagnostics Inc. and should only be reported for tests performed using this specific panel.

5. When to use CPT code 0140U

CPT code 0140U should be used when the ePlex BCID Fungal Pathogens Panel from GenMark Diagnostics Inc. is utilized to identify fungal pathogens in blood cultures. It should not be reported for any other tests or panels. It is important to ensure that the test being performed is the specific proprietary test associated with this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0140U, the documentation should include:

• Indication for the test, such as suspicion of a fungal blood infection
• Date of the test
• Results for each of the 15 fungal targets, reported as detected or not detected

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0140U, it is important to ensure that the test being performed is the ePlex BCID Fungal Pathogens Panel from GenMark Diagnostics Inc. This code should not be reported with any other CPT codes. It is also recommended to check with the appropriate payer regarding coverage and reimbursement for this specific test.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0140U was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2020. There have been no updates or changes to this code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with a suspected fungal blood infection undergoes the ePlex BCID Fungal Pathogens Panel from GenMark Diagnostics Inc. The results indicate the detection of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Cryptococcus neoformans.
2. Another patient with a positive blood culture for fungi undergoes the ePlex BCID Fungal Pathogens Panel. The results show the detection of Candida auris and Fusarium solani.
3. A third patient with a suspected fungal infection undergoes the ePlex BCID Fungal Pathogens Panel. The analysis reports the detection of Candida parapsilosis, Cryptococcus gattii, and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa.
4. In a fourth case, a patient with a negative blood culture undergoes the ePlex BCID Fungal Pathogens Panel. The results indicate the absence of any detected fungal targets.
5. Another patient with a positive blood culture undergoes the ePlex BCID Fungal Pathogens Panel. The analysis reports the detection of Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei, and Cryptococcus laurentii.
6. A sixth patient with a suspected fungal blood infection undergoes the ePlex BCID Fungal Pathogens Panel. The results show the detection of Candida parapsilosis, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Rhodotorula glutinis.
7. In a seventh case, a patient with a negative blood culture undergoes the ePlex BCID Fungal Pathogens Panel. The analysis indicates the absence of any detected fungal targets.
8. Another patient with a positive blood culture undergoes the ePlex BCID Fungal Pathogens Panel. The results show the detection of Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, and Cryptococcus gattii.
9. A ninth patient with a suspected fungal infection undergoes the ePlex BCID Fungal Pathogens Panel. The analysis reports the detection of Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa.
10. In a final case, a patient with a negative blood culture undergoes the ePlex BCID Fungal Pathogens Panel. The results indicate the absence of any detected fungal targets.