How To Use CPT Code 0539T

CPT 0539T describes the receipt and preparation of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy by a laboratory. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0539T?

CPT 0539T can be used to describe the laboratory’s role in receiving and genetically modifying cryopreserved T lymphocytes for CAR-T therapy. The technician uses a “disarmed” virus to create T cells with receptors that can bind to specific proteins on tumor cells. The number of genetically modified cells is then multiplied to the hundreds of millions.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0539T is: ‘Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy; receipt and preparation of CAR-T cells for administration.’

3. Procedure

1. The laboratory receives the cryopreserved T lymphocytes.
2. The technician genetically modifies the T lymphocytes using a “disarmed” virus to create CAR-T cells with receptors for specific tumor cell proteins.
3. The technician multiplies the number of genetically modified cells to the hundreds of millions.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 0539T is used when a laboratory receives and genetically modifies cryopreserved T lymphocytes for CAR-T therapy. CAR-T therapy is typically used for patients with certain types of cancer, and the therapy must be ordered by a qualified healthcare professional.

5. When to use CPT code 0539T

CPT code 0539T should be used when a laboratory receives and genetically modifies cryopreserved T lymphocytes for CAR-T therapy. It should not be used for other types of cellular therapy procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 0539T, the laboratory must document the following information:

• Receipt of cryopreserved T lymphocytes
• Genetic modification process using a “disarmed” virus
• Multiplication of genetically modified cells to the hundreds of millions

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 0539T, ensure that the laboratory has received and genetically modified cryopreserved T lymphocytes for CAR-T therapy. It should not be reported with other cellular therapy procedure codes. Follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 0539T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2019. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A laboratory receives cryopreserved T lymphocytes and genetically modifies them using a “disarmed” virus to create CAR-T cells for administration to a patient with lymphoma.
2. A technician multiplies the number of genetically modified T cells to the hundreds of millions for CAR-T therapy in a patient with leukemia.
3. A laboratory prepares CAR-T cells by genetically modifying cryopreserved T lymphocytes received from a bone marrow donor for a patient with multiple myeloma.
4. A technician receives cryopreserved T lymphocytes and genetically modifies them to create CAR-T cells for administration to a patient with sarcoma.
5. A laboratory prepares CAR-T cells for a patient with neuroblastoma by genetically modifying cryopreserved T lymphocytes.
6. A technician multiplies the number of genetically modified T cells for CAR-T therapy in a patient with glioblastoma.
7. A laboratory receives cryopreserved T lymphocytes and genetically modifies them to create CAR-T cells for administration to a patient with breast cancer.
8. A technician prepares CAR-T cells by genetically modifying cryopreserved T lymphocytes received from a peripheral blood sample for a patient with pancreatic cancer.
9. A laboratory prepares CAR-T cells for a patient with lung cancer by genetically modifying cryopreserved T lymphocytes.
10. A technician receives cryopreserved T lymphocytes and genetically modifies them to create CAR-T cells for administration to a patient with colorectal cancer.