How To Use CPT Code 80325

CPT 80325 describes the measurement or detection of three or four 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 80325?

CPT 80325 is used to measure or detect the presence of three or four amphetamines in a patient specimen. This code is specifically for amphetamines, which are central nervous system stimulant drugs used to treat certain psychiatric disorders. The lab analyst performs a test to determine the amount of or detect the presence of these amphetamines in a patient’s urine or blood sample.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 80325 is: ‘Amphetamines; 3 or 4.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst receives a patient specimen, typically urine or blood, for testing.
2. A chromatography method may be used, where the sample is subjected to a chemical mixture and then injected into a special chamber for separation and quantitation.
3. The instrument records the separation and quantitation of the amphetamines in the specimen.
4. The lab analyst determines the presence and amount of three or four specific amphetamines in the patient specimen.
5. The results of the test are documented and reported to the ordering clinician.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 80325 is used when the lab analyst measures or detects the presence of three or four amphetamines in a patient specimen. This test is often ordered as an initial drug abuse screen, as these drugs are primarily used as drugs of abuse and have limited medical use. The side effects of amphetamines include increased heart and respiratory rate, which can increase alertness. This code should be used when testing specifically for three or four amphetamines, and not for a different number of amphetamines.

5. When to use CPT code 80325

CPT code 80325 should be used when the lab analyst measures or detects the presence of three or four amphetamines in a patient specimen. It is important to use this code specifically for testing three or four amphetamines, as there are separate codes for testing one or two amphetamines (CPT 80324) and five or more amphetamines (CPT 80326).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 80325, the following documentation is required:

• Identification of the patient specimen tested
• Results of the test indicating the presence and amount of three or four amphetamines
• Methodology used for testing, such as chromatography
• Date and time of the test
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 80325, ensure that the test specifically measures or detects the presence of three or four amphetamines in the patient specimen. This code should not be reported if the test measures a different number of amphetamines. It is important to follow the guidelines for reporting other codes if the test measures one or two amphetamines (CPT 80324) or five or more amphetamines (CPT 80326).

8. Historical information

CPT code 80325 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 and amount of three specific amphetamines in a patient’s urine sample.
2. A lab analyst detects the presence of four specific amphetamines in a patient’s blood sample.
3. A lab analyst performs a test to measure the amount of three amphetamines in a patient’s urine sample.
4. A lab analyst detects the presence of four amphetamines in a patient’s blood sample.
5. A lab analyst measures the presence and amount of three specific amphetamines in a patient’s urine sample.
6. A lab analyst detects the presence of four specific amphetamines in a patient’s blood sample.
7. A lab analyst performs a test to measure the amount of three amphetamines in a patient’s urine sample.
8. A lab analyst detects the presence of four amphetamines in a patient’s blood sample.
9. A lab analyst measures the presence and amount of three specific amphetamines in a patient’s urine sample.
10. A lab analyst detects the presence of four specific amphetamines in a patient’s blood sample.