How To Use CPT Code 80348

CPT 80348 describes the measurement or detection of buprenorphine 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 80348?

CPT 80348 can be used to measure or detect the presence of buprenorphine in a patient specimen. This code is used when a lab analyst performs a test using a urine or blood sample to determine the amount of buprenorphine in the patient’s system. The test may be quantitative, qualitative, or a combination of both.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 80348 is: ‘Measurement or detection of buprenorphine in a patient specimen.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a patient specimen, either urine or blood.
2. The analyst performs a test using a methodology such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to measure or detect the presence of buprenorphine.
3. The HPLC method separates the buprenorphine from the specimen, allowing a sensitive detector to quantitate the amount of buprenorphine present.
4. The test may be quantitative, providing an exact measurement of the buprenorphine level, or qualitative, indicating whether the specimen is positive or negative for buprenorphine.
5. The lab analyst documents the results of the test for further analysis and interpretation.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 80348 is used when clinicians order a test to measure or detect buprenorphine in a patient specimen. This test may be used to diagnose an overdose of buprenorphine or to determine if a patient is complying with a prescribed regimen. It is not limited to testing for a specific condition.

5. When to use CPT code 80348

CPT code 80348 should be used when a lab analyst performs a test to measure or detect buprenorphine in a patient specimen. This code is appropriate when the test is ordered to diagnose an overdose or to monitor patient compliance with a prescribed regimen.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 80348, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Patient’s name and identification
• Type of specimen collected (urine or blood)
• Date and time of specimen collection
• Methodology used for the test (e.g., HPLC)
• Results of the test, including the amount of buprenorphine detected or whether the specimen is positive or negative
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 80348, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst and that the appropriate documentation is provided. This code should not be reported with other codes unless medically necessary. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer when submitting claims for CPT 80348.

8. Historical information

CPT 80348 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 performs a test to measure the amount of buprenorphine in a patient’s urine sample to determine if the patient is complying with their prescribed medication regimen.
2. A clinician orders a test to detect the presence of buprenorphine in a patient’s blood sample to diagnose a potential overdose.
3. A lab analyst uses HPLC to measure the exact amount of buprenorphine in a patient’s urine sample to monitor their compliance with a prescribed buprenorphine treatment plan.
4. A clinician requests a test to detect the presence of buprenorphine in a patient’s blood sample to determine if they have taken an overdose of the medication.
5. A lab analyst performs a test to measure the amount of buprenorphine in a patient’s urine sample to assess their compliance with a prescribed buprenorphine maintenance therapy.
6. A clinician orders a test to detect the presence of buprenorphine in a patient’s blood sample to confirm their adherence to a buprenorphine treatment program.
7. A lab analyst uses HPLC to measure the exact amount of buprenorphine in a patient’s urine sample to monitor their response to a buprenorphine tapering regimen.
8. A clinician requests a test to detect the presence of buprenorphine in a patient’s blood sample to assess their compliance with a buprenorphine-assisted detoxification program.
9. A lab analyst performs a test to measure the amount of buprenorphine in a patient’s urine sample to determine if they are taking the medication as prescribed for pain management.
10. A clinician orders a test to detect the presence of buprenorphine in a patient’s blood sample to confirm their compliance with a buprenorphine maintenance therapy for opioid addiction.