How To Use CPT Code 0237U

CPT 0237U describes the Genomic Unity® Cardiac Ion Channelopathies Analysis, a proprietary laboratory analysis (PLA) test offered by Variantyx Inc. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0237U?

CPT 0237U can be used to report the Genomic Unity® Cardiac Ion Channelopathies Analysis, a laboratory test performed by Variantyx Inc. This test utilizes a PCR free whole genome sequencing (WGS) platform and algorithmic data analysis to evaluate the genomic sequence of 10 specific genes associated with cardiac ion channelopathy conditions. It detects various types of variants, including small sequence changes, deletions, duplications, and variants in non-uniquely mappable regions.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0237U is: ‘Cardiac ion channelopathies (eg, Brugada syndrome, long QT syndrome, short QT syndrome, catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia), genomic sequence analysis panel including ANK2, CASQ2, CAV3, KCNE1, KCNE2, KCNH2, KCNJ2, KCNQ1, RYR2, and SCN5A, including small sequence changes in exonic and intronic regions, deletions, duplications, mobile element insertions, and variants in non-uniquely mappable regions.’

3. Procedure

1. The laboratory analyst receives a blood or saliva specimen from the patient.
2. The specimen is processed using a PCR free whole genome sequencing (WGS) platform, which completes DNA extraction and sequencing.
3. The data obtained from the sequencing is analyzed using algorithmic analysis and artificial intelligence to identify variants in the ANK2, CASQ2, CAV3, KCNE1, KCNE2, KCNH2, KCNJ2, KCNQ1, RYR2, and SCN5A genes.
4. The lab analyst manually selects and reports relevant variants based on their relevance to cardiac ion channelopathy conditions.
5. A detailed report is generated, including any relevant findings and interpretations.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 0237U is appropriate for patients who require evaluation for cardiac ion channelopathies, such as long QT syndrome, short QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, and other related conditions. The test is ordered by clinicians to aid in the diagnosis of these genetic disorders and to provide guidance for familial genetic counseling. The test is performed by Variantyx Inc. using their Genomic Unity® Cardiac Ion Channelopathies Analysis.

5. When to use CPT code 0237U

CPT code 0237U should be used when a clinician orders the Genomic Unity® Cardiac Ion Channelopathies Analysis from Variantyx Inc. to evaluate a patient for cardiac ion channelopathy conditions. This code should only be reported once for a single specimen analyzed on a single date of service.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0237U, the following documentation is required:

• Order from the clinician requesting the Genomic Unity® Cardiac Ion Channelopathies Analysis
• Documentation of the patient’s clinical condition and the need for genetic testing
• Results of the analysis, including any relevant findings and interpretations
• Signature of the laboratory analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0237U, ensure that the test is performed by Variantyx Inc. using their Genomic Unity® Cardiac Ion Channelopathies Analysis. Report one unit of this code for each specimen analyzed on a single date of service. Check with the appropriate payer to determine if separate payment is allowed for specimen collection. Do not report this test using any other CPT code.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0237U was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2021. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A clinician orders the Genomic Unity® Cardiac Ion Channelopathies Analysis for a patient with a family history of long QT syndrome.
2. A patient presents with symptoms suggestive of Brugada syndrome, and the clinician requests the Genomic Unity® Cardiac Ion Channelopathies Analysis for diagnostic purposes.
3. A family seeks genetic counseling for a heritable cardiac ion channelopathy, and the clinician orders the Genomic Unity® Cardiac Ion Channelopathies Analysis to provide guidance.
4. A patient with a history of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia undergoes the Genomic Unity® Cardiac Ion Channelopathies Analysis to assess for relevant genetic variants.
5. A clinician suspects the presence of short QT syndrome in a patient and orders the Genomic Unity® Cardiac Ion Channelopathies Analysis for confirmation.
6. A patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy undergoes the Genomic Unity® Cardiac Ion Channelopathies Analysis to identify potential genetic causes.
7. A family with a history of sudden cardiac death requests genetic testing, and the clinician orders the Genomic Unity® Cardiac Ion Channelopathies Analysis to evaluate for relevant variants.
8. A patient with unexplained atrial fibrillation undergoes the Genomic Unity® Cardiac Ion Channelopathies Analysis to assess for genetic factors contributing to the condition.
9. A clinician orders the Genomic Unity® Cardiac Ion Channelopathies Analysis for a patient with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation to identify potential genetic causes.
10. A patient with a family history of Brugada syndrome undergoes the Genomic Unity® Cardiac Ion Channelopathies Analysis for genetic screening.