How To Use CPT Code 80324

CPT 80324 describes the measurement or detection of one or two amphetamines, a central nervous system stimulant, 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 80324?

CPT 80324 can be used to describe the measurement or detection of one or two amphetamines in a patient specimen. This code is used when a lab analyst performs a test to determine the presence or amount of amphetamines in a specimen, such as urine or blood. The test may be quantitative, qualitative, or a combination of both.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 80324 is: ‘Amphetamines; 1 or 2.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst receives a patient specimen, such as urine or blood, for testing.
2. A chromatography method or other appropriate methodology is used to subject the specimen to a chemical mixture and separate the amphetamines.
3. The separated amphetamines are quantitated or qualitatively analyzed to determine their presence or amount in the specimen.
4. The results of the test are recorded and reported.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 80324 is used when the lab analyst measures or detects the presence of one or two amphetamines in a patient specimen. Amphetamines are central nervous system stimulant drugs primarily used to treat certain psychiatric disorders. This test may be ordered as an initial drug abuse screen, as these drugs are commonly abused. Side effects of amphetamines include increased heart and respiratory rate, which can increase alertness.

5. When to use CPT code 80324

CPT code 80324 should be used when the lab analyst measures or detects the presence of one or two amphetamines in a patient specimen. It is important to note that if the test measures the amount of three or four amphetamines, CPT code 80325 should be used. If the test measures the amount of five or more amphetamines, CPT code 80326 should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 80324, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Patient’s specimen type (e.g., urine, blood)
• Methodology used for testing
• Results of the test, including the presence or amount of one or two amphetamines
• Date and time of the test
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 80324, ensure that the test measures or detects the presence of one or two amphetamines in a patient specimen. It is important to follow the specific documentation requirements for this code. Additionally, if the test measures the amount of three or more amphetamines, the appropriate codes should be used instead.

8. Historical information

CPT code 80324 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 the presence of amphetamines in a patient’s urine specimen.
2. A lab analyst detects the presence of one or two amphetamines in a patient’s blood specimen.
3. A lab analyst quantitates the amount of amphetamines in a patient’s urine specimen.
4. A lab analyst performs a qualitative analysis to determine if a patient’s blood specimen is positive or negative for amphetamines.
5. A lab analyst uses a chromatography method to separate and analyze the presence of one or two amphetamines in a patient’s urine specimen.
6. A lab analyst measures the amount of amphetamines in a patient’s blood specimen using a quantitative methodology.
7. A lab analyst performs a combination of qualitative and quantitative analysis to determine the presence and amount of one or two amphetamines in a patient’s urine specimen.
8. A lab analyst detects the presence of one or two amphetamines in a patient’s blood specimen using a specific testing methodology.
9. A lab analyst quantitates the amount of amphetamines in a patient’s urine specimen and records the results.
10. A lab analyst performs a qualitative analysis to determine if a patient’s blood specimen is positive or negative for one or two amphetamines and documents the findings.