How To Use CPT Code 80361

CPT 80361 describes the measurement or detection of one or more opiates, which are narcotic analgesics that depress the central nervous system, 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 80361?

CPT 80361 can be used to describe the laboratory test performed by a lab analyst to measure the amount of or detect the presence of one or more opiates in a patient specimen. This code is used when the test is conducted using methodologies such as gas chromatography or mass spectrometry, and the results may be quantitative or qualitative.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 80361 is: ‘Opiates, 1 or more.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a patient specimen, which is typically urine or blood.
2. The specimen is subjected to a laboratory test using methodologies such as gas chromatography or mass spectrometry.
3. The test separates and analyzes the opiates present in the specimen, either quantitatively or qualitatively.
4. The lab analyst identifies the presence or measures the amount of one or more opiates in the specimen.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 80361 is used when a lab analyst performs a test to measure the amount of or detect the presence of one or more opiates in a patient specimen. This test may be ordered to diagnose an opiate overdose or to determine patient compliance with a prescribed regimen. The specimen can be urine or blood, and the test may utilize methodologies such as gas chromatography or mass spectrometry.

5. When to use CPT code 80361

CPT code 80361 should be used when a lab analyst performs a test to measure the amount of or detect the presence of one or more opiates in a patient specimen. This code is appropriate when the test is conducted using methodologies such as gas chromatography or mass spectrometry. It should not be used for testing multiple opioid and opiate analogs, as there are separate codes for different numbers of substances tested.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 80361, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Patient’s specimen type (urine or blood)
• Methodology used for the test (gas chromatography or mass spectrometry)
• Results of the test, including the presence or amount of opiates detected
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 80361, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst and that the appropriate methodology is used. This code should not be reported with other codes for testing multiple opioid and opiate analogs. It is important to note that some payers may separately reimburse for specimen collection using a different code.

8. Historical information

CPT 80361 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 opiates in a patient’s urine specimen using gas chromatography.
2. A lab analyst detects the presence of one or more opiates in a patient’s blood specimen using mass spectrometry.
3. A lab analyst performs a test to measure the amount of opiates in a patient’s urine specimen, utilizing gas chromatography.
4. A lab analyst conducts a test to detect the presence of one or more opiates in a patient’s blood specimen, employing mass spectrometry.
5. A lab analyst measures the amount of opiates in a patient’s urine specimen using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.
6. A lab analyst detects the presence of one or more opiates in a patient’s blood specimen using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.
7. A lab analyst performs a test to measure the amount of opiates in a patient’s urine specimen, utilizing gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.
8. A lab analyst conducts a test to detect the presence of one or more opiates in a patient’s blood specimen, employing gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.
9. A lab analyst measures the amount of opiates in a patient’s urine specimen using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, and the results indicate compliance with a prescribed regimen.
10. A lab analyst detects the presence of one or more opiates in a patient’s blood specimen using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, and the results suggest an opiate overdose.