How To Use CPT Code 80323

CPT 80323 describes the measurement and evaluation of alkaloid drugs in a patient specimen that are not specified elsewhere in the CPT system. 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 80323?

CPT 80323 can be used to measure and evaluate alkaloid drugs in a patient specimen that are not specified by any other code in the CPT system. This code is used when a lab analyst performs a test to identify and quantify alkaloids in a specimen, such as urine, using a methodology like chromatographic mass spectroscopy assay. The resulting quantitative level reveals the amount of alkaloid present in the specimen.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 80323 is: ‘Alkaloids, not otherwise specified.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a patient specimen, typically urine, for testing.
2. The lab analyst performs a measurement of alkaloid drugs not specified elsewhere in the CPT system using a methodology like chromatographic mass spectroscopy assay.
3. The lab analyst bombards the atoms or molecules from the sample with electrons and subjects them to an electric or magnetic field.
4. The resulting elements or molecules are identified by their masses or characteristic fragmentation patterns.
5. The lab analyst quantifies the level of alkaloid present in the specimen.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 80323 is used when there is a need to measure and evaluate alkaloid drugs in a patient specimen that are not specified elsewhere in the CPT system. This test may be ordered as an initial drug abuse screen, although it is not limited to testing for a specific condition. The lab analyst uses a methodology like chromatographic mass spectroscopy assay to identify and quantify alkaloids in the specimen.

5. When to use CPT code 80323

CPT code 80323 should be used when there is a need to measure and evaluate alkaloid drugs in a patient specimen that are not specified elsewhere in the CPT system. It is appropriate to bill this code when the lab analyst performs a test using a methodology like chromatographic mass spectroscopy assay to identify and quantify alkaloids in the specimen.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 80323, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Patient’s specimen type (e.g., urine)
• Methodology used for testing (e.g., chromatographic mass spectroscopy assay)
• Date of the test
• Quantitative or qualitative results of the test
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 80323, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst using a methodology like chromatographic mass spectroscopy assay. This code should be reported when there is a need to measure and evaluate alkaloid drugs in a patient specimen that are not specified elsewhere in the CPT system. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting this code with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 80323 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 measures and evaluates the level of alkaloid drugs in a patient’s urine specimen using chromatographic mass spectroscopy assay.
2. A patient undergoes a test to identify and quantify alkaloids in their urine specimen, which are not specified elsewhere in the CPT system.
3. A lab analyst performs a measurement of alkaloid drugs in a patient’s specimen using a methodology like chromatographic mass spectroscopy assay.
4. A urine sample is tested to determine the presence and quantity of alkaloid drugs that are not specified by any other code in the CPT system.
5. A lab analyst uses a methodology like chromatographic mass spectroscopy assay to measure and evaluate alkaloid drugs in a patient’s specimen.
6. A patient’s urine specimen is analyzed to identify and quantify alkaloids that are not specified elsewhere in the CPT system.
7. A test is conducted to measure the level of alkaloid drugs in a patient’s specimen, using a methodology like chromatographic mass spectroscopy assay.
8. An alkaloid drug screen is performed on a patient’s urine specimen to identify and quantify alkaloids not specified by any other code in the CPT system.
9. A lab analyst evaluates the presence and quantity of alkaloid drugs in a patient’s urine specimen using a methodology like chromatographic mass spectroscopy assay.
10. A patient’s urine sample is tested for alkaloid drugs that are not specified elsewhere in the CPT system, using a methodology like chromatographic mass spectroscopy assay.