How To Use CPT Code 80332

CPT 80332 describes the measurement or detection of one or two serotonergic antidepressants 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 80332?

CPT 80332 can be used to describe the laboratory test performed to measure or detect the presence of one or two serotonergic antidepressants in a patient specimen. This code is used when the lab analyst analyzes the specimen, such as urine or serum, using a methodology like high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to separate and quantitate the analyte.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 80332 is: ‘Antidepressants, serotonergic class; 1 or 2.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a patient specimen, such as urine or serum.
2. The specimen is analyzed using a methodology like high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
3. The HPLC method separates the analyte, which is the substance being measured, from the mixture in the specimen.
4. A sensitive detector quantitates the analyte, measuring the exact amount of the serotonergic antidepressant present in the specimen.
5. The lab analyst may perform quantitative testing, qualitative testing (showing positive or negative results), or a combination of both.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 80332 is used when the lab analyst tests the specimen for one or two serotonergic antidepressants. This test is not limited to a specific condition and may be ordered by clinicians to diagnose an overdose of the medication or to determine patient compliance with a prescribed regimen. The specimen can be urine or serum, and the analysis is performed using a methodology like HPLC.

5. When to use CPT code 80332

CPT code 80332 should be used when the lab analyst tests the patient specimen for one or two serotonergic antidepressants. If the test includes three to five serotonergic antidepressants, CPT code 80333 should be used instead. For six or more serotonergic antidepressants, CPT code 80334 is appropriate.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 80332, the documentation should include:

• The reason for ordering the test, such as suspected overdose or monitoring compliance
• The specific serotonergic antidepressants being tested for
• The type of specimen collected (urine or serum)
• The methodology used for analysis (e.g., HPLC)
• The results of the test, including quantitative or qualitative findings
• The signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 80332, ensure that the test is performed to measure or detect one or two serotonergic antidepressants. If the test includes three to five antidepressants, use CPT code 80333. For six or more antidepressants, use CPT code 80334. It is important to note that some payers may separately reimburse for specimen collection using a code like 36415.

8. Historical information

CPT 80332 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 amount of a serotonergic antidepressant in a patient’s urine specimen.
2. A clinician orders a test to detect the presence of two serotonergic antidepressants in a patient’s serum specimen.
3. A lab analyst performs a quantitative analysis to measure the exact amount of one serotonergic antidepressant in a patient’s urine specimen.
4. A patient’s urine specimen is tested qualitatively to determine if it is positive or negative for a specific serotonergic antidepressant.
5. A lab analyst uses HPLC to separate and quantitate the analyte, which is a serotonergic antidepressant, in a patient’s serum specimen.
6. A clinician orders a test to monitor a patient’s compliance with a prescribed regimen of one serotonergic antidepressant using a urine specimen.
7. A lab analyst performs a combination of quantitative and qualitative testing to measure the amount and detect the presence of two serotonergic antidepressants in a patient’s serum specimen.
8. A patient’s urine specimen is tested to determine if it contains any serotonergic antidepressants.
9. A lab analyst analyzes a serum specimen to measure the amount of one serotonergic antidepressant present.
10. A clinician orders a test to confirm whether a patient has taken an overdose of a specific serotonergic antidepressant using a urine specimen.