How To Use CPT Code 80156

CPT 80156 describes the analysis of the total amount of carbamazepine, a medication used for the treatment of epilepsy and other neurologic and psychiatric disorders. 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 80156?

CPT 80156 can be used to analyze the total amount of carbamazepine in a specimen. This code is specifically used for the quantification of both the bound and unbound (free) carbamazepine. It is commonly ordered by clinicians to monitor patients taking carbamazepine for various neurologic and psychiatric disorders, including epilepsy.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 80156 is: ‘Carbamazepine; total.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical steps to quantify the total amount of carbamazepine in a specimen, typically serum.
2. The analyst may use liquid chromatography or mass spectrometry to separate and quantify the components in the specimen.
3. A reagent is often used to facilitate the desired change or reaction in the specimen.
4. The lab test detects and measures the total amount of carbamazepine, including both the bound and unbound forms.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 80156 is used when clinicians order the analysis of the total amount of carbamazepine in a specimen. This test is not limited to a specific condition but is commonly ordered for patients taking carbamazepine for epilepsy and other neurologic and psychiatric disorders. It is important to monitor the levels of carbamazepine to ensure effective treatment and minimize side effects. The specimen collected is typically serum, and the analysis is performed by a lab analyst.

5. When to use CPT code 80156

CPT code 80156 should be used when clinicians order the analysis of the total amount of carbamazepine in a specimen. It is appropriate for patients taking carbamazepine for various neurologic and psychiatric disorders, including epilepsy. This code should be used when the lab performs the quantification of both the bound and unbound carbamazepine.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 80156, the documentation should include:

• Indication for the test, such as monitoring carbamazepine therapy
• Type of specimen collected, typically serum
• Date and time of the test
• Method used for analysis, such as liquid chromatography or mass spectrometry
• Results of the total carbamazepine level
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 80156, ensure that the test is performed to analyze the total amount of carbamazepine in a specimen. It is important to use the appropriate code for the specific test ordered by the clinician. If the clinician also orders a separate test for the free carbamazepine level, such as CPT code 80157, both codes can be reported separately. It is advisable to check with payers regarding any specific requirements or guidelines for billing CPT 80156.

8. Historical information

CPT 80156 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A clinician orders CPT 80156 to analyze the total amount of carbamazepine in a serum specimen for a patient with epilepsy.
2. A lab analyst performs CPT 80156 to quantify the total carbamazepine level in a specimen collected from a patient taking carbamazepine for a neurologic disorder.
3. CPT 80156 is used to analyze the total amount of carbamazepine in a serum specimen for a patient on long-term carbamazepine therapy for a psychiatric disorder.
4. A clinician orders CPT 80156 to monitor the total carbamazepine level in a specimen from a patient with a history of seizures.
5. A lab analyst performs CPT 80156 to quantify the total amount of carbamazepine in a serum specimen collected from a patient with a neurologic condition.
6. CPT 80156 is used to analyze the total carbamazepine level in a specimen from a patient taking carbamazepine for a psychiatric disorder.
7. A clinician orders CPT 80156 to monitor the total amount of carbamazepine in a serum specimen for a patient with epilepsy.
8. A lab analyst performs CPT 80156 to quantify the total carbamazepine level in a specimen collected from a patient on long-term carbamazepine therapy for a neurologic disorder.
9. CPT 80156 is used to analyze the total amount of carbamazepine in a serum specimen for a patient with a history of seizures.
10. A clinician orders CPT 80156 to monitor the total carbamazepine level in a specimen from a patient with a psychiatric condition.