How To Use CPT Code 80346

CPT code 80346 describes the measurement or detection of one to twelve benzodiazepines, which are tranquilizers, 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 80346?

CPT 80346 can be used to measure or detect the presence of one to twelve benzodiazepines, such as Valium or Librium, in a patient specimen. This code is often used when clinicians need to determine if a patient has taken an overdose of tranquilizers or if they are complying with a prescribed regimen for conditions like anxiety, seizures, or insomnia. The test can be performed on various specimens, including blood or urine, using methodologies like high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to separate and quantitate the analyte.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 80346 is: ‘Benzodiazepines; 1-12.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs a test to measure or detect the presence of one to twelve benzodiazepines in a patient specimen.
2. The specimen can be blood or urine, depending on the purpose of the test.
3. If using HPLC, the analyst combines a pressurized liquid with the specimen and passes it through a specially designed column to separate the analyte from the mixture.
4. A sensitive detector quantitates the analyte, providing an exact measurement of the substance.
5. The test may be quantitative, qualitative (positive or negative), or a combination.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Clinicians may order CPT 80346 to diagnose an overdose of benzodiazepines, assess patient compliance with prescribed regimens, or detect drug abuse. The test is not limited to specific conditions and can be performed on various specimens, such as blood or urine.

5. When to use CPT code 80346

CPT code 80346 should be used when there is a need to measure or detect the presence of one to twelve benzodiazepines in a patient specimen. It is commonly ordered to diagnose overdoses, assess compliance, or detect drug abuse.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 80346, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as suspected overdose or compliance assessment
• Specimen type used for the test, such as blood or urine
• Methodology employed, such as HPLC
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the test, including quantitative or qualitative findings
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 80346, ensure that the test is performed to measure or detect one to twelve benzodiazepines in a patient specimen. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting this code and consider any additional tips provided by the payer. CPT code 80346 should not be reported if testing for 13 or more benzodiazepines; in that case, use CPT code 80347.

8. Historical information

CPT code 80346 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 clinician orders CPT code 80346 to measure the presence of benzodiazepines in a patient’s urine specimen for a legal drug screening.
2. A lab analyst performs CPT code 80346 to detect the amount of benzodiazepines in a patient’s blood specimen to confirm compliance with a prescribed regimen for anxiety.
3. A clinician suspects a patient has taken an overdose of tranquilizers and orders CPT code 80346 to measure the levels of benzodiazepines in their blood specimen.
4. A lab analyst uses CPT code 80346 to detect the presence of benzodiazepines in a patient’s urine specimen to assess compliance with a prescribed regimen for insomnia.
5. A clinician suspects a patient is abusing benzodiazepines and orders CPT code 80346 to measure the levels of tranquilizers in their urine specimen.
6. A lab analyst performs CPT code 80346 to detect the presence of benzodiazepines in a patient’s blood specimen to assess compliance with a prescribed regimen for seizures.
7. A clinician orders CPT code 80346 to measure the amount of benzodiazepines in a patient’s urine specimen to determine if they are complying with a prescribed regimen for anxiety.
8. A lab analyst uses CPT code 80346 to detect the presence of tranquilizers in a patient’s blood specimen to confirm compliance with a prescribed regimen for insomnia.
9. A clinician suspects a patient has taken an overdose of benzodiazepines and orders CPT code 80346 to measure the levels of tranquilizers in their blood specimen.
10. A lab analyst performs CPT code 80346 to detect the presence of benzodiazepines in a patient’s urine specimen to assess compliance with a prescribed regimen for seizures.