How To Use CPT Code 80340

CPT 80340 describes the measurement or detection of four to six antiepileptic drugs 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 80340?

CPT 80340 can be used to describe the measurement or detection of four to six antiepileptic drugs in a patient specimen. This code is used when the lab analyst performs a test to determine the presence or amount of these specific drugs in a patient’s urine or serum sample. The antiepileptic drugs being tested for are not specified in other CPT codes, making this code necessary for accurate reporting.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 80340 is: ‘Antiepileptics, not otherwise specified; 4-6.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a patient specimen, such as urine or serum.
2. The lab analyst performs a test using a methodology like high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to measure the presence or amount of four to six antiepileptic drugs in the specimen.
3. The test separates the analyte, or the substance being measured, from the mixture using a specially designed column and a pressurized liquid.
4. A sensitive detector quantitates the analyte, providing an accurate measurement or detection of the antiepileptic drugs.
5. The test may be quantitative, qualitative (showing positive or negative results), or a combination of both.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 80340 is used when a lab analyst measures or detects four to six antiepileptic drugs in a patient specimen. This test is not limited to a specific condition and can be ordered by clinicians to diagnose an overdose of anticonvulsants or to assess patient compliance with a prescribed regimen.

5. When to use CPT code 80340

CPT code 80340 should be used when the lab analyst tests a patient specimen for the presence or amount of four to six antiepileptic drugs. If the test involves one to three drugs, CPT code 80339 should be used. For seven or more drugs, CPT code 80341 is appropriate.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 80340, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Patient’s name and identification
• Type of specimen collected (urine or serum)
• Date and time of specimen collection
• Methodology used for testing (e.g., HPLC)
• Results of the test, including the presence or amount of each antiepileptic drug
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 80340, ensure that the lab analyst performs the test for four to six antiepileptic drugs. If the test involves one to three drugs, use CPT code 80339. For seven or more drugs, CPT code 80341 should be reported. It is important to note that some payers may separately reimburse for specimen collection using a code like 36415.

8. Historical information

CPT 80340 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 four antiepileptic drugs in a patient’s urine sample.
2. A lab analyst detects the presence of six antiepileptic drugs in a patient’s serum sample.
3. A lab analyst quantitates the amount of five antiepileptic drugs in a patient’s urine sample.
4. A lab analyst performs a qualitative test to determine if a patient’s serum sample is positive or negative for the presence of four antiepileptic drugs.
5. A lab analyst uses HPLC to measure the amount of six antiepileptic drugs in a patient’s urine sample.
6. A lab analyst performs a combination test, providing both qualitative and quantitative results for the presence and amount of five antiepileptic drugs in a patient’s serum sample.
7. A lab analyst measures the presence and amount of four antiepileptic drugs in a patient’s serum sample.
8. A lab analyst detects the presence of six antiepileptic drugs in a patient’s urine sample.
9. A lab analyst quantitates the amount of five antiepileptic drugs in a patient’s serum sample.
10. A lab analyst performs a qualitative test to determine if a patient’s urine sample is positive or negative for the presence of four antiepileptic drugs.