How To Use CPT Code 80306

CPT 80306 describes the procedure for presumptive drug class screening using instrument-assisted direct optical observation. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 80306?

CPT 80306 can be used to describe the procedure for presumptive drug class screening using instrument-assisted direct optical observation. This code is used when a lab analyst performs tests on a patient specimen, such as urine or blood, to screen for any number of drug classes. The results of these tests indicate possible but not definitive presence of drugs and/or metabolites.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 80306 is: ‘Drug test(s), presumptive, any number of drug classes, any number of devices or procedures; read by instrument assisted direct optical observation (eg, utilizing immunoassay [eg, dipsticks, cups, cards, or cartridges]), includes sample validation when performed, per date of service.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs tests on a patient specimen, such as urine or blood, to screen for any number of drug classes.
2. The tests are read by instrument-assisted direct optical observation, often utilizing immunoassay.
3. The lab analyst may use various devices or procedures, such as dipsticks, cups, cards, or cartridges.
4. The lab analyst may also perform tests to validate that the specimen is urine and is from the patient, such as urinalysis, creatinine, or pH.
5. The results of the tests provide qualitative information, indicating possible presence of drugs and/or metabolites.
6. If the screening test yields a positive result, follow-up testing may be ordered to quantify the amount of a substance in the patient specimen.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who may require CPT 80306 are those suspected of drug overdose or possible drug abuse. The test provides qualitative results, indicating possible presence of drugs and/or metabolites. The lab analyst must use instrument-assisted direct optical observation to read the test results. The lab analyst may also perform tests to validate the specimen as urine and from the patient.

5. When to use CPT code 80306

CPT code 80306 should be used when a lab analyst performs presumptive drug class screening using instrument-assisted direct optical observation. This code should be reported for each date of service on which the screening test is performed. It is important to note that CPT code 80306 should not be reported if a similar presumptive drug test is performed without instrument assistance (CPT code 80305).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 80306, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Patient’s suspected drug overdose or possible drug abuse
• Specific devices or procedures used for the screening test
• Date of service and results of the screening test
• Additional tests performed to validate the specimen as urine and from the patient
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 80306, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst using instrument-assisted direct optical observation. Report only one unit of CPT 80306 per date of service. Do not separately bill for sample validation tests, such as urinalysis, creatinine, or pH. It is important to follow payer-specific guidelines and consider using additional codes, such as CPT code 36415, for specimen collection if required.

8. Historical information

CPT 80306 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2017. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs a presumptive drug class screening on a patient’s urine sample using instrument-assisted direct optical observation.
2. A lab analyst performs a presumptive drug class screening on a patient’s blood sample using instrument-assisted direct optical observation.
3. A lab analyst performs a presumptive drug class screening on a patient’s urine sample using various devices, such as dipsticks and cartridges.
4. A lab analyst performs a presumptive drug class screening on a patient’s blood sample using various devices, such as cups and cards.
5. A lab analyst performs a presumptive drug class screening on a patient’s urine sample and validates the specimen using additional tests, such as urinalysis and creatinine.
6. A lab analyst performs a presumptive drug class screening on a patient’s blood sample and validates the specimen using additional tests, such as pH.
7. A lab analyst performs a presumptive drug class screening on a patient’s urine sample and the test results indicate possible presence of drugs and/or metabolites.
8. A lab analyst performs a presumptive drug class screening on a patient’s blood sample and the test results indicate possible presence of drugs and/or metabolites.
9. A lab analyst performs a presumptive drug class screening on a patient’s urine sample and orders follow-up testing to quantify the amount of a substance in the specimen.
10. A lab analyst performs a presumptive drug class screening on a patient’s blood sample and orders follow-up testing to quantify the amount of a substance in the specimen.