How To Use CPT Code 80335

CPT 80335 describes the measurement or detection of one or two tricyclic and other cyclic 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 80335?

CPT 80335 can be used to describe the laboratory test performed to measure or detect the presence of one or two tricyclic and other cyclic antidepressants in a patient specimen. This code is used when the lab analyst performs a test using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to separate the analyte from the mixture and quantitate the analyte. The testing may be quantitative, qualitative, or a combination of both.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 80335 is: ‘Antidepressants, tricyclic and other cyclicals; 1 or 2.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a patient specimen, which may be serum, plasma, or urine.
2. The lab analyst performs high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to separate the analyte from the mixture in the specimen.
3. A sensitive detector quantitates the analyte, measuring the exact amount of tricyclic and other cyclic antidepressants present in the specimen.
4. The lab analyst may perform quantitative testing, qualitative testing (showing positive or negative results), or a combination of both.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 80335 is not limited to testing for a specific condition. It can be ordered by clinicians to diagnose whether a patient has taken an overdose of the psychiatric medication or to determine if a patient is complying with a prescribed regimen. The testing is commonly done to monitor therapeutic levels of the drugs in urine specimens.

5. When to use CPT code 80335

CPT code 80335 should be used when the lab analyst tests a patient specimen for one or two tricyclic and other cyclic antidepressants. If the provider tests for three to five antidepressants, CPT code 80336 should be used. For six or more antidepressants, CPT code 80337 is appropriate.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 80335, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as suspected overdose or monitoring therapeutic levels
• Type of specimen collected (serum, plasma, or urine)
• Method used for testing (HPLC)
• Results of the test, including the presence or absence of tricyclic and other cyclic antidepressants
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 80335, ensure that the lab analyst performs the test to measure or detect one or two tricyclic and other cyclic antidepressants in the specimen. If the provider tests for three to five antidepressants, use CPT code 80336. For six or more antidepressants, use CPT code 80337. Some payers may also separately reimburse for specimen collection using a code such as 36415.

8. Historical information

CPT 80335 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 tricyclic antidepressants in a patient’s serum specimen.
2. A lab analyst detects the presence of two cyclic antidepressants in a patient’s plasma specimen.
3. A lab analyst performs a test to measure the amount of one tricyclic antidepressant in a patient’s urine specimen.
4. A lab analyst quantitates the amount of two cyclic antidepressants in a patient’s serum specimen.
5. A lab analyst performs a test to detect the presence of one tricyclic antidepressant in a patient’s plasma specimen.
6. A lab analyst measures the amount of two cyclic antidepressants in a patient’s urine specimen.
7. A lab analyst detects the presence of one tricyclic antidepressant in a patient’s serum specimen.
8. A lab analyst quantitates the amount of two cyclic antidepressants in a patient’s plasma specimen.
9. A lab analyst performs a test to measure the amount of one tricyclic antidepressant in a patient’s urine specimen.
10. A lab analyst detects the presence of two cyclic antidepressants in a patient’s serum specimen.