How To Use CPT Code 80307

CPT 80307 describes the procedure for presumptive drug class screening using instrumented chemistry analyzers. 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 80307?

CPT 80307 can be used to describe the procedure for presumptive drug class screening using instrumented chemistry analyzers. This code is used when the lab analyst performs all the technical steps of drug screening procedure(s) to presumptively identify any drug classes using instrumented chemistry analysis. The code includes sample validation when performed and can be used for any number of drug classes on a single date.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 80307 is: ‘Drug test(s), presumptive, any number of drug classes, any number of devices or procedures; by instrument chemistry analyzers (eg, utilizing immunoassay [eg, EIA, ELISA, EMIT, FPIA, IA, KIMS, RIA]), chromatography (eg, GC, HPLC), and mass spectrometry either with or without chromatography, (eg, DART, DESI, GC-MS, GC-MS/MS, LC-MS, LC-MS/MS, LDTD, MALDI, TOF) includes sample validation when performed, per date of service.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs all the technical steps of drug screening procedure(s) using instrumented chemistry analyzers.
2. The lab analyst uses various methods such as immunoassays (eg, EIA, ELISA, EMIT, FPIA, IA, KIMS, RIA), chromatography (eg, GC, HPLC), and mass spectrometry (eg, DART, DESI, GC-MS, GC-MS/MS, LC-MS, LC-MS/MS, LDTD, MALDI, TOF) to presumptively identify any drug classes.
3. The lab analyst may also perform additional tests such as urinalysis or creatinine, but these should not be separately billed in addition to the presumptive drug test code.
4. The lab analyst may perform follow-up testing for definitive results and to quantify the amount of a substance in the patient specimen for any drug class or classes that yield a positive result on the screening test.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 80307 can be used for cases of suspected drug overdose or as a screening test for possible drug abuse. It is not limited to testing for a specific condition. The test can be ordered by clinicians for any patient specimen and is performed by a lab analyst using instrumented chemistry analyzers.

5. When to use CPT code 80307

CPT code 80307 should be used when a lab analyst performs presumptive drug class screening using instrumented chemistry analyzers. It is appropriate to bill this code for each date of service when the procedure is performed. However, it should not be reported if the test provides a result only by direct optical observation, in which case, codes 80305 or 80306 should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 80307, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Date of service
• Specific drug classes screened for
• Methods used for presumptive drug screening
• Results of the screening test
• Any follow-up testing performed
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 80307, ensure that the procedure is performed by a lab analyst using instrumented chemistry analyzers. Report only one unit of 80307 per date of service. Do not separately bill for sample validation or other tests such as urinalysis or creatinine. Follow the specific guidelines provided by payers regarding billing and reimbursement for CPT 80307.

8. Historical information

CPT 80307 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 performing presumptive drug class screening using instrumented chemistry analyzers to identify the presence of opioids in a patient specimen.
2. A lab analyst using immunoassay methods to screen for the presence of benzodiazepines in a urine sample.
3. A lab analyst performing presumptive drug class screening using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify the presence of amphetamines in a blood sample.
4. A lab analyst using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to screen for the presence of cannabinoids in a saliva sample.
5. A lab analyst performing presumptive drug class screening using enzyme assay methods to identify the presence of barbiturates in a hair sample.
6. A lab analyst using immunoassay methods to screen for the presence of cocaine metabolites in a sweat sample.
7. A lab analyst performing presumptive drug class screening using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify the presence of hallucinogens in a urine sample.
8. A lab analyst using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to screen for the presence of synthetic cathinones in a blood sample.