How To Use CPT Code 80151

CPT 80151 describes the quantitative lab test used to measure the level of amiodarone in a patient’s specimen, such as serum. 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 80151?

CPT 80151 can be used to describe the lab test performed to quantify the level of amiodarone in a patient’s specimen, typically serum or plasma. This code is used when the lab analyst performs all the technical steps to measure the concentration of amiodarone present in the specimen using a method such as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 80151 is: ‘Quantitative measurement of amiodarone.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst prepares the patient’s specimen, typically serum or plasma, for analysis.
2. The specimen is analyzed using an automated analytical instrument, such as a high-pressure liquid chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometer.
3. The instrument separates the components of the specimen and quantifies the concentration of amiodarone based on its mass-to-charge ratio.
4. The lab analyst obtains a quantitative result for the level of amiodarone in the specimen.
5. If requested, the lab analyst may also measure any metabolites of amiodarone present in the specimen.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 80151 is typically ordered by clinicians for patients who are prescribed amiodarone to treat life-threatening arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, or ventricular fibrillation. The test allows clinicians to monitor therapeutic levels of amiodarone, evaluate possible toxicity, and assess patient compliance. The most common specimen used for this test is serum or plasma.

5. When to use CPT code 80151

CPT code 80151 should be used when a quantitative test is performed to measure the level of amiodarone in a patient’s specimen. It is appropriate to bill this code when the lab analyst performs the technical steps to quantify the concentration of amiodarone using a method such as LC-MS/MS.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 80151, the documentation should include:

• Patient’s diagnosis or indication for the test
• Type of specimen collected (e.g., serum, plasma)
• Date and time of specimen collection
• Method used for analysis (e.g., liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry)
• Quantitative result for the level of amiodarone in the specimen
• Any additional information relevant to the test, such as the presence of metabolites

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 80151, ensure that the test is performed to measure the level of amiodarone in the patient’s specimen. It is important to use the appropriate diagnosis or indication for the test and document the necessary information to support the claim. Some payers may also reimburse for the collection of the specimen using a separate code, such as 36415. It is important to check with the payer’s guidelines for specific billing requirements.

8. Historical information

CPT 80151 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 lab analyst performing a quantitative test to measure the level of amiodarone in a patient’s serum specimen.
2. A clinician ordering CPT code 80151 to monitor the therapeutic levels of amiodarone in a patient prescribed the medication for atrial fibrillation.
3. A lab technician using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to quantify the concentration of amiodarone in a plasma specimen.
4. A patient undergoing the CPT 80151 test to assess their compliance with amiodarone therapy for ventricular tachycardia.
5. A clinician requesting the quantitative measurement of amiodarone in a serum specimen to evaluate possible toxicity in a patient.
6. A lab analyst performing the technical steps to measure the level of amiodarone in a patient’s specimen using LC-MS/MS.
7. A patient with a history of ventricular fibrillation undergoing the CPT 80151 test to ensure therapeutic levels of amiodarone.
8. A clinician monitoring the concentration of amiodarone in a patient’s plasma specimen to adjust the medication dosage for optimal efficacy.
9. A lab technician analyzing a serum specimen for the quantitative measurement of amiodarone to assess patient compliance.
10. A patient prescribed amiodarone for atrial fibrillation undergoing the CPT 80151 test to ensure therapeutic levels of the medication.