How To Use CPT Code 80322

CPT code 80322 describes the detection and measurement of alcohol biomarkers in a patient 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 80322?

CPT 80322 can be used to describe the test performed by a lab analyst to detect and measure three or more alcohol biomarkers in a patient specimen. Alcohol biomarkers are physiological indicators of alcohol exposure or ingestion. This code is used when the lab analyst uses various tests, including the ethyl glucuronide (EtG) test, to detect the presence of alcohol biomarkers in urine or blood samples.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 80322 is: ‘Alcohol biomarkers; 3 or more.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a patient specimen, such as urine or blood.
2. The lab analyst performs tests to detect and measure three or more alcohol biomarkers in the specimen.
3. The most common test used is the ethyl glucuronide (EtG) test, which detects the presence of ethyl glucuronide in urine or blood samples.
4. The lab analyst may use quantitative or qualitative tests to determine the exact amount of alcohol biomarkers or to show whether the specimen is positive or negative for the analyte.
5. The presence of three or more alcohol biomarkers indicates recent alcohol ingestion or exposure.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 80322 is used when the lab analyst detects and measures three or more alcohol biomarkers in a patient specimen. This test is performed to monitor alcohol consumption in individuals who are legally prohibited from drinking alcohol or restricted from drinking by their employers. It is important to note that if the lab analyst detects the presence of one or two alcohol biomarkers, CPT code 80321 should be used instead.

5. When to use CPT code 80322

CPT code 80322 should be used when the lab analyst detects and measures three or more alcohol biomarkers in a patient specimen. This code is appropriate for individuals who need to be monitored for alcohol consumption due to legal or employment restrictions. It should not be used when the lab analyst detects one or two alcohol biomarkers, as that would require a different code (80321).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 80322, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Patient’s information and specimen details
• Specific tests performed to detect and measure alcohol biomarkers
• Results of the tests, including the presence of three or more alcohol biomarkers
• Any additional relevant information or observations
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 80322, ensure that the lab analyst performs the test to detect and measure three or more alcohol biomarkers. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting this code and to consider any additional codes that may need to be reported in conjunction with CPT 80322. It is also important to note that CPT code 80322 should not be reported if the lab analyst detects one or two alcohol biomarkers (use 80321 instead).

8. Historical information

CPT code 80322 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2015. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst detects and measures three or more alcohol biomarkers in a patient’s urine sample to monitor their alcohol consumption.
2. Using various tests, a lab analyst detects and measures three or more alcohol biomarkers in a patient’s blood sample to ensure compliance with legal restrictions on alcohol consumption.
3. For an employee who is prohibited from drinking alcohol, a lab analyst detects and measures three or more alcohol biomarkers in their urine sample to monitor their compliance with workplace policies.
4. A lab analyst performs tests on a patient’s specimen and identifies the presence of three or more alcohol biomarkers, indicating recent alcohol ingestion.
5. Using quantitative and qualitative tests, a lab analyst detects and measures three or more alcohol biomarkers in a patient’s blood sample, providing valuable information about their alcohol consumption.
6. In a legal setting, a lab analyst detects and measures three or more alcohol biomarkers in a patient’s urine sample, providing evidence of recent alcohol ingestion.
7. For a patient under court-mandated alcohol monitoring, a lab analyst detects and measures three or more alcohol biomarkers in their blood sample, ensuring compliance with the legal requirements.
8. A lab analyst performs tests on a patient’s specimen and identifies the presence of three or more alcohol biomarkers, indicating a recent episode of heavy alcohol use.
9. Using advanced testing methods, a lab analyst detects and measures three or more alcohol biomarkers in a patient’s urine sample, providing crucial information for their treatment plan.
10. For an individual enrolled in an alcohol rehabilitation program, a lab analyst detects and measures three or more alcohol biomarkers in their blood sample, monitoring their progress towards sobriety.