How To Use CPT Code 80189

CPT 80189 describes the quantitative lab test for measuring the level of itraconazole 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 80189?

CPT 80189 can be used to quantify the level of itraconazole in a patient’s specimen, typically serum or plasma. This code is used for a lab test that measures the amount of itraconazole present in the specimen, providing valuable information for clinicians treating fungal infections.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 80189 is: ‘Quantitative measurement of itraconazole in patient specimen (eg, serum, plasma).’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical steps to measure the level of itraconazole in the patient’s specimen, usually serum or plasma.
2. The specimen is prepared for analysis using an automated analytical instrument, such as liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS).
3. The instrument separates the components of the specimen through a high-pressure liquid chromatograph and quantifies the individual components in a mass spectrometer based on mass-to-charge ratio.
4. The result obtained from the instrument provides a quantitative measurement of itraconazole and any measured metabolites, if performed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 80189 is typically ordered by clinicians for patients prescribed itraconazole to treat fungal conditions such as aspergillosis and nail onychomycosis. This test allows clinicians to verify the therapeutic dose of itraconazole in patients who may be at risk for poor absorption of the drug. The most common specimen used for this test is serum or plasma.

5. When to use CPT code 80189

CPT code 80189 should be used when a quantitative test is performed to measure the level of itraconazole in a patient’s specimen, such as serum or plasma. This code is appropriate when the test is specifically focused on quantifying itraconazole and is not limited to testing for a specific condition.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 80189, the following documentation should be included:

• Patient’s diagnosis or indication for itraconazole therapy
• Specimen type used for the test (e.g., serum, plasma)
• Date and time of the test
• Quantitative result of itraconazole level
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 80189, ensure that the test is performed to measure the level of itraconazole in the patient’s specimen. It is important to note that some payers may separately reimburse for the collection of the specimen using a different code, such as 36415. It is also helpful to include any relevant trade or other names for itraconazole, such as Sporanox, Sporaz, Orungal, and Onmel, in the documentation. Prior to the addition of CPT code 80189, labs may have reported the test with code 80299.

8. Historical information

CPT code 80189 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2021. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs a quantitative test on a patient’s serum specimen to measure the level of itraconazole prescribed for the treatment of aspergillosis.
2. A clinician orders a quantitative measurement of itraconazole in a patient’s plasma specimen to ensure the therapeutic dose is achieved for the treatment of nail onychomycosis.
3. A lab technician uses liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry to quantify the level of itraconazole in a patient’s serum specimen, providing valuable information for the clinician managing a patient with a fungal infection.
4. A patient undergoing itraconazole therapy has their serum specimen tested using CPT code 80189 to monitor the drug’s concentration and ensure optimal therapeutic levels.
5. A lab analyst performs a quantitative test on a patient’s plasma specimen to measure the level of itraconazole, allowing the clinician to adjust the dosage for effective treatment of a fungal infection.
6. A clinician orders a quantitative measurement of itraconazole in a patient’s serum specimen to assess the drug’s concentration and ensure appropriate therapeutic levels for the treatment of a fungal condition.
7. A lab technician uses liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry to quantify the level of itraconazole in a patient’s plasma specimen, providing crucial information for the clinician managing the patient’s antifungal therapy.
8. A patient’s serum specimen is tested using CPT code 80189 to measure the level of itraconazole, allowing the clinician to monitor the drug’s concentration and adjust the dosage as needed for optimal treatment outcomes.
9. A lab analyst performs a quantitative test on a patient’s plasma specimen to measure the level of itraconazole prescribed for the treatment of a fungal infection, ensuring the drug is within the therapeutic range.
10. A clinician orders a quantitative measurement of itraconazole in a patient’s serum specimen to assess the drug’s concentration and ensure effective treatment of a fungal condition.