How To Use CPT Code 80200

CPT 80200 describes the laboratory test used to analyze the amount of tobramycin, an antibiotic, present in a 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 80200?

CPT 80200 can be used to describe the laboratory test performed by a lab analyst to measure the level of tobramycin in a specimen. This test is commonly done using serum as the specimen and may involve various steps such as reacting the specimen with test antibodies and quantifying the result.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 80200 is: ‘Tobramycin; quantitative.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs all technical steps to measure the level of tobramycin present in the specimen.
2. The most common specimen used for this test is serum.
3. The lab analyst may use an immunoassay method, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), to detect the tobramycin in the specimen.
4. The test may involve 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 80200 is typically ordered by a clinician to monitor the level of tobramycin in a patient’s body. This is important because if the antibiotic is present in very high levels, it can become toxic and affect various organs and tissues. The test is not limited to a specific condition and can be ordered for any patient taking tobramycin to ensure the correct dose is being prescribed.

5. When to use CPT code 80200

CPT code 80200 should be used when a laboratory test is performed to quantitate the amount of tobramycin present in a specimen. It is appropriate to bill this code when the test is ordered by a clinician to monitor the level of tobramycin in a patient’s body.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 80200, the documentation should include:

• The reason for ordering the test, such as monitoring tobramycin levels
• The type of specimen used, typically serum
• The method used for detection, such as an immunoassay method like ELISA
• The date the test was performed
• The results of the test, including the quantified level of tobramycin

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 80200, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst and that the documentation supports the medical necessity of the test. It is important to follow any specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding billing for specimen collection separately. CPT code 80200 should not be reported with other codes unless there are specific circumstances that warrant additional codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 80200 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 clinician orders CPT 80200 to monitor the tobramycin levels in a patient with a bacterial infection.
2. A patient receiving tobramycin therapy undergoes CPT 80200 to ensure the correct dosage is being administered.
3. A lab analyst performs CPT 80200 on a serum specimen to measure the tobramycin level in a patient’s body.
4. A clinician orders CPT 80200 to monitor the trough levels of tobramycin in a patient before the next dose is administered.
5. CPT 80200 is performed on a serum specimen to determine the peak levels of tobramycin in a patient a few hours after taking a dose.
6. A clinician orders CPT 80200 to assess the tobramycin levels in a patient’s body to ensure therapeutic levels are maintained.
7. A lab analyst performs CPT 80200 to measure the tobramycin concentration in a serum specimen collected from a patient.
8. CPT 80200 is used to analyze the tobramycin levels in a patient’s body and adjust the dosage accordingly.
9. A clinician orders CPT 80200 to monitor the tobramycin levels in a patient with a suspected bacterial infection.
10. CPT 80200 is performed on a serum specimen to assess the tobramycin concentration in a patient undergoing antibiotic therapy.