How To Use CPT Code 0346U

CPT 0346U describes a proprietary laboratory analysis (PLA) code for the Quest AD-Detect™ test from Quest Diagnostics. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of CPT code 0346U.

1. What is CPT Code 0346U?

CPT 0346U is a unique PLA code that applies specifically to the Quest AD-Detect™ test offered by Quest Diagnostics. This test evaluates a plasma specimen for levels of beta amyloid 40 and 42 using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The test reports the 42/40 ratio as a biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0346U is not provided. However, it can be inferred that this code is used for the Quest AD-Detect™ test, which measures the ratio of beta amyloid 42 to beta amyloid 40 in a plasma specimen using LC-MS/MS.

3. Procedure

1. The laboratory analyst uses liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to evaluate a plasma specimen for levels of beta amyloid 40 and 42.
2. The LC-MS/MS platform separates, identifies, and quantifies the levels of specific chemical compounds in the specimen.
3. The test reports the 42/40 ratio, which serves as a biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

4. Qualifying circumstances

The Quest AD-Detect™ test with CPT code 0346U is typically ordered for patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia as an early biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It provides an easily accessible and less invasive alternative to other testing methods, such as positron emission tomography (PET) or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis.

5. When to use CPT code 0346U

CPT code 0346U should be used when ordering the Quest AD-Detect™ test from Quest Diagnostics. It is specifically designed for evaluating the ratio of beta amyloid 42 to beta amyloid 40 in a plasma specimen using LC-MS/MS. This test is useful for assessing the likelihood of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in patients with mild cognitive impairment or dementia.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0346U, documentation should include:

• Order for the Quest AD-Detect™ test
• Plasma specimen analysis results for beta amyloid 40 and 42
• Reported 42/40 ratio as a biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease (AD)

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0346U, ensure that the test is performed by Quest Diagnostics for the Quest AD-Detect™ test. Use one unit of this code for a single specimen analyzed on a single date of service. It is important to note that some payers may separately reimburse for specimen collection. Report this test only with CPT code 0346U and do not use any other CPT code for the Quest AD-Detect™ test.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0346U, specifically for the Quest AD-Detect™ test, was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on October 1, 2022. There have been no updates or changes to this code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A physician orders the Quest AD-Detect™ test for a patient with mild cognitive impairment to assess the likelihood of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
2. A neurologist requests the Quest AD-Detect™ test for a patient with dementia to evaluate the 42/40 ratio as a biomarker for AD.
3. A geriatrician orders the Quest AD-Detect™ test for an elderly patient with memory loss to aid in the diagnosis of AD.
4. A primary care physician utilizes the Quest AD-Detect™ test for a patient with cognitive decline to assess the risk of developing AD.
5. A neuroscientist requests the Quest AD-Detect™ test for a research study on early biomarkers of AD in a cohort of patients.
6. A gerontologist orders the Quest AD-Detect™ test for a patient with a family history of AD to assess their risk of developing the disease.
7. A memory clinic specialist utilizes the Quest AD-Detect™ test for a patient with subjective cognitive complaints to aid in the diagnosis of AD.
8. A neurosurgeon requests the Quest AD-Detect™ test for a patient with suspected AD to evaluate the 42/40 ratio as a potential biomarker for surgical decision-making.
9. A psychiatrist orders the Quest AD-Detect™ test for a patient with psychiatric symptoms and cognitive impairment to assess the possibility of underlying AD.
10. A geriatric psychologist utilizes the Quest AD-Detect™ test for a patient with age-related memory decline to aid in treatment planning and intervention strategies.