How To Use CPT Code 80150

CPT 80150 describes the analysis of amikacin, an antibiotic, in a patient’s specimen. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 80150?

CPT 80150 can be used to describe the analysis of amikacin, an antibiotic, in a patient’s specimen. This code is used when a lab analyst performs the technical steps to measure the level of amikacin present in the specimen, most commonly serum. The test may involve various steps, such as reacting the specimen with test antibodies, incubating the mixture, adding an agent to detect the antigen-antibody complex, and quantifying the result.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 80150 is: ‘Amikacin; quantitative.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical steps to analyze the specimen and quantitate the amount of amikacin present.
2. The most common specimen for this test is serum, although other specimens may be used.
3. The lab analyst may use an immunoassay method, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), to detect the antigen-antibody reaction.
4. The test may involve various steps, such as reacting the specimen with test antibodies, incubating the mixture, adding an agent to detect the antigen-antibody complex, and quantifying the result.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 80150 is typically ordered by providers to measure the level of amikacin present in a patient’s body. This test is not limited to a specific condition and can be used to ensure that the patient is prescribed the correct dose of amikacin. The most common specimen for this test is serum, but other specimens may also be used.

5. When to use CPT code 80150

CPT code 80150 should be used when a lab analyst performs the analysis of amikacin in a patient’s specimen. This code is appropriate when the provider wants to measure the level of amikacin present in the patient’s body, usually to ensure the correct dosage. It is important to note that this code is specific to the quantitative analysis of amikacin and should not be used for other antibiotics or substances.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 80150, the documentation should include:

• The reason for ordering the test, such as monitoring the level of amikacin in the patient’s body
• The type of specimen collected, such as serum
• The method used for analysis, such as ELISA
• The date and time of the test
• The results of the analysis, including the quantification of amikacin present
• The signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 80150, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst and that the analysis is specific to amikacin. It is important to follow the guidelines provided by the payer regarding the documentation and coding requirements for this test. Some payers may also separately reimburse for the collection of the specimen using a different code, such as 36415 for venous blood collection.

8. Historical information

CPT 80150 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performing the analysis of amikacin in a patient’s serum specimen to measure the drug level.
2. A provider ordering CPT 80150 to ensure the correct dosage of amikacin for a patient with a bacterial infection.
3. A lab conducting the quantitative analysis of amikacin in a patient’s specimen to monitor the drug’s level in their body.
4. A provider using CPT 80150 to assess the effectiveness of amikacin treatment in a patient with a known bacterial infection.
5. A lab analyst performing the analysis of amikacin in a patient’s specimen to determine if the drug concentration is within the therapeutic range.
6. A provider ordering CPT 80150 to monitor the level of amikacin in a patient receiving the antibiotic for a prolonged period.
7. A lab conducting the quantitative analysis of amikacin in a patient’s specimen to adjust the dosage of the antibiotic based on the drug level.
8. A provider using CPT 80150 to ensure that the patient is not receiving an excessive or suboptimal dose of amikacin.
9. A lab analyst performing the analysis of amikacin in a patient’s specimen to assist the provider in making treatment decisions.
10. A provider ordering CPT 80150 to monitor the level of amikacin in a patient with renal impairment to prevent drug toxicity.