How To Use CPT Code 80374

CPT 80374 describes the analysis of stereoisomers of a single drug class 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 80374?

CPT 80374 can be used to describe the analysis of stereoisomers of a single drug class in a patient specimen. Steroisomers are chemicals that have the same chemical components but differ in spatial configuration. This code is used when a lab analyst measures the amount of or detects the presence of stereoisomers in the patient specimen. The analysis helps identify which enantiomer is not useful for the body as they differ in their biological properties.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 80374 is: ‘Stereoisomer (enantiomer) analysis, single drug class (Use 80374 in conjunction with an index drug analysis, when performed).’ This code is used when the lab analyst performs a test to measure the amount of or detect the presence of stereoisomers of a single drug class in a patient specimen.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a patient specimen, such as blood.
2. The lab analyst performs a test using a methodology like nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure the amount of or detect the presence of stereoisomers.
3. The test exposes the specimen to a magnetic field and measures the response the sample absorbs at a particular frequency.
4. The absorption of light is specific for a particular isomer and helps to quantify the analyte, which is the substance the analyst is measuring.
5. The lab analyst may perform quantitative testing, qualitative testing, or a combination of both.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 80374 is used when a lab analyst measures the amount of or detects the presence of stereoisomers of a single drug class in a patient specimen. This test is not limited to a specific condition but may be ordered by clinicians to help identify which enantiomer is not useful for the body as they differ in their biological properties.

5. When to use CPT code 80374

CPT code 80374 should be used when a lab analyst performs the analysis of stereoisomers of a single drug class in a patient specimen. It is important to note that this code should only be used for drugs of a single class. For example, if analyzing citalopram, an antidepressant drug, which exists in an R and an S form, only the S form is active within the body.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 80374, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Patient’s specimen type
• Methodology used for the analysis
• Date and time of the analysis
• Results of the analysis, including the presence or amount of stereoisomers
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the analysis

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 80374, ensure that the analysis is performed by a lab analyst and that the code is used in conjunction with an index drug analysis, if performed. Some payers may also separately reimburse for the collection of the specimen, which can be reported with code 36415, Collection of venous blood by venipuncture.

8. Historical information

CPT 80374 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 stereoisomers of a single drug class in a patient’s blood specimen using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
2. A lab analyst detects the presence of stereoisomers of a single drug class in a patient’s urine specimen using a high-resolution technique.
3. A lab analyst performs a qualitative analysis to determine the presence or absence of stereoisomers of a single drug class in a patient’s saliva specimen.
4. A lab analyst quantitatively measures the amount of stereoisomers of a single drug class in a patient’s hair specimen using a specific methodology.
5. A lab analyst performs a combination of qualitative and quantitative testing to analyze the stereoisomers of a single drug class in a patient’s tissue specimen.
6. A lab analyst uses nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure the amount of stereoisomers of a single drug class in a patient’s cerebrospinal fluid specimen.
7. A lab analyst detects the presence of stereoisomers of a single drug class in a patient’s sweat specimen using a high-resolution technique.
8. A lab analyst performs a qualitative analysis to determine the presence or absence of stereoisomers of a single drug class in a patient’s synovial fluid specimen.
9. A lab analyst quantitatively measures the amount of stereoisomers of a single drug class in a patient’s saliva specimen using a specific methodology.
10. A lab analyst performs a combination of qualitative and quantitative testing to analyze the stereoisomers of a single drug class in a patient’s hair specimen.