How To Use CPT Code 0333U

CPT 0333U describes the surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients using a proprietary laboratory test. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0333U?

CPT 0333U can be used to describe a proprietary laboratory test that is used for the surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This test analyzes methylation patterns on circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and measures the levels of serum AFP/AFP-L3 and oncoprotein DCP. The test results are reported as either normal or abnormal, providing valuable information for early detection of liver cancer.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0333U is: ‘Oncology (liver), surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients, analysis of methylation patterns on circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) plus measurement of serum of AFP/AFP-L3 and oncoprotein des-gamma-carboxy-prothrombin (DCP), algorithm reported as normal or abnormal result.’

3. Procedure

1. The laboratory analyst collects a whole blood specimen from a high-risk patient for developing liver cancer.
2. The specimen is evaluated for liver cancer markers, including the levels of AFP/AFP-L3 and oncoprotein DCP.
3. The laboratory also extracts cfDNA from the blood specimen and analyzes the methylation patterns specific to hepatocellular carcinoma.
4. An algorithmic analysis is performed using the test results and patient data to report the findings as a normal or abnormal result.
5. If the result is normal, the patient may be scheduled for surveillance every three to six months. If the result is abnormal, further diagnostic imaging may be recommended.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 0333U is used for high-risk patients who have a diagnosis of liver cirrhosis and are at risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma. The test is specifically designed for the surveillance of liver cancer in these individuals. It is important to note that this code applies only to the HelioLiver™ Test from Fulgent Genetics LLC and Helio Health Inc.

5. When to use CPT code 0333U

CPT code 0333U should be used when a high-risk patient with liver cirrhosis requires surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma. This test is particularly useful for early detection of liver cancer in these individuals. It is important to ensure that the test is performed using the HelioLiver™ Test from Fulgent Genetics LLC and Helio Health Inc.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0333U, the documentation should include:

• Confirmation of the patient’s high-risk status for developing hepatocellular carcinoma
• Details of the specific proprietary test used (HelioLiver™ Test from Fulgent Genetics LLC and Helio Health Inc)
• Date of service and the specific test results
• Documentation of the algorithmic analysis and the reported result (normal or abnormal)
• Signature of the laboratory analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0333U, it is important to ensure that the test is performed using the HelioLiver™ Test from Fulgent Genetics LLC and Helio Health Inc. This is a proprietary laboratory test, and other codes should not be used to report this specific test. It is also important to note that some payers may provide separate reimbursement for specimen collection.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0333U was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on October 1, 2022. As a proprietary laboratory test, there have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A high-risk patient with liver cirrhosis undergoes the HelioLiver™ Test from Fulgent Genetics LLC and Helio Health Inc. The test results indicate a normal result, and the patient is scheduled for surveillance every six months.
2. Another high-risk patient with liver cirrhosis undergoes the same proprietary test. The test results show an abnormal result, and the patient is referred for further diagnostic imaging to confirm the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma.
3. A different high-risk patient with liver cirrhosis undergoes the HelioLiver™ Test from Fulgent Genetics LLC and Helio Health Inc. The test results indicate a normal result, and the patient is advised to continue surveillance every three months.
4. Yet another high-risk patient with liver cirrhosis undergoes the proprietary test. The test results show an abnormal result, and the patient is referred to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
5. A high-risk patient with liver cirrhosis undergoes the HelioLiver™ Test from Fulgent Genetics LLC and Helio Health Inc. The test results indicate a normal result, and the patient is advised to maintain regular surveillance every six months.
6. Another high-risk patient with liver cirrhosis undergoes the same proprietary test. The test results show an abnormal result, and the patient is scheduled for a follow-up appointment with their healthcare provider to discuss further management options.
7. A different high-risk patient with liver cirrhosis undergoes the HelioLiver™ Test from Fulgent Genetics LLC and Helio Health Inc. The test results indicate a normal result, and the patient is advised to continue surveillance every three months.
8. Yet another high-risk patient with liver cirrhosis undergoes the proprietary test. The test results show an abnormal result, and the patient is referred to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
9. A high-risk patient with liver cirrhosis undergoes the HelioLiver™ Test from Fulgent Genetics LLC and Helio Health Inc. The test results indicate a normal result, and the patient is advised to maintain regular surveillance every six months.
10. Another high-risk patient with liver cirrhosis undergoes the same proprietary test. The test results show an abnormal result, and the patient is scheduled for a follow-up appointment with their healthcare provider to discuss further management options.