How To Use CPT Code 80345

CPT 80345 describes the laboratory procedure for measuring the level of or detecting the presence of barbiturates in a patient sample, such as serum or urine. 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 80345?

CPT 80345 can be used to describe the laboratory procedure performed by a lab analyst to measure the level of or detect the presence of barbiturates in a patient sample, such as serum or urine. This code is used when the analyst uses various methodologies, including gas chromatography mass spectrometry, to quantitatively measure the barbiturate level or determine if the specimen is positive or negative for barbiturates.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 80345 is: ‘Barbiturates; quantitative or qualitative, any number of drug classes, by instrument chemistry analyzers (eg, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, immunoassay, enzyme assay), without mass spectrometry confirmation, each specimen.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst receives a patient sample, such as serum or urine, for testing.
2. The analyst selects the appropriate methodology, such as gas chromatography mass spectrometry, to measure the barbiturate level or detect their presence in the sample.
3. The sample is prepared and subjected to the chosen methodology, which may involve bombarding the sample with electrons and analyzing the resulting elements or molecules.
4. The machine used for the analysis identifies the barbiturates based on their masses or characteristic fragmentation patterns.
5. The analyst interprets the results and determines the quantitative level of barbiturates or whether the sample is positive or negative for barbiturates.
6. A report is generated with the findings of the analysis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 80345 is used when a lab analyst performs the laboratory procedure to measure the level of or detect the presence of barbiturates in a patient sample. This test is commonly ordered to diagnose barbiturate overdose or to determine if a patient is complying with a prescribed regimen. It is not limited to testing for a specific condition and can be used for any patient requiring barbiturate testing.

5. When to use CPT code 80345

CPT code 80345 should be used when a lab analyst performs the laboratory procedure to measure the level of or detect the presence of barbiturates in a patient sample. It is appropriate to bill this code when the test is ordered by a clinician to help diagnose barbiturate overdose or assess patient compliance with a prescribed regimen.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 80345, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Patient’s information and specimen details
• Methodology used for the analysis
• Date and time of the analysis
• Interpretation of the results, including the quantitative level of barbiturates or whether the sample is positive or negative
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the analysis

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 80345, ensure that the laboratory procedure is performed by a qualified lab analyst. Use the appropriate CPT code based on the methodology used for the analysis. CPT code 80345 does not require mass spectrometry confirmation. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer and include any necessary modifiers or additional documentation to support the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 80345 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 level of barbiturates in a serum sample to determine if a patient has taken an overdose of the medication.
2. A lab analyst detects the presence of barbiturates in a urine sample to assess patient compliance with a prescribed regimen.
3. A lab analyst quantitatively measures the barbiturate level in a serum sample to aid in the diagnosis of a patient with suspected barbiturate abuse.
4. A lab analyst performs a qualitative analysis on a urine sample to determine if a patient has used barbiturates.
5. A lab analyst uses gas chromatography mass spectrometry to confirm the presence of barbiturates in a serum sample for forensic purposes.
6. A lab analyst performs a qualitative analysis on a urine sample to determine if a patient has taken barbiturates without mass spectrometry confirmation.
7. A lab analyst quantitatively measures the barbiturate level in a serum sample using instrument chemistry analyzers with mass spectrometry confirmation.
8. A lab analyst detects the presence of barbiturates in a urine sample using immunoassay without mass spectrometry confirmation.
9. A lab analyst performs a qualitative analysis on a serum sample to determine if a patient has used barbiturates with mass spectrometry confirmation.
10. A lab analyst measures the level of barbiturates in a urine sample using instrument chemistry analyzers without mass spectrometry confirmation.