How To Use CPT Code 80375

CPT 80375 describes the analysis of one to three definitive drugs or substances 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 80375?

CPT 80375 can be used to analyze the presence or measure the amount of one to three definitive drugs or substances in a patient specimen. This code is used when a lab analyst performs a test to confirm the presence or quantify the specific quantity of these drugs or substances in the specimen.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 80375 is: ‘Drug(s) or substance(s), definitive, qualitative or quantitative, not otherwise specified; 1-3.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst receives a patient specimen, such as urine or serum, for analysis.
2. If the test is qualitative, the analyst compares the results of the specimen to a predetermined value to confirm the presence of the drug or substance.
3. If the test is quantitative, the analyst may use methodologies like gas or liquid chromatography or mass spectrometry to measure the exact amount of the drug or substance in the specimen.
4. The lab analyst generates a report with the results of the analysis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 80375 is used when a lab analyst tests a patient specimen for one to three definitive drugs or substances. This code can be used for various purposes, not limited to testing for a specific condition, and is ordered by clinicians to verify the presence and amount of drugs within the body.

5. When to use CPT code 80375

CPT code 80375 should be used when a lab analyst performs a test to analyze the presence or measure the amount of one to three definitive drugs or substances in a patient specimen. This code is not appropriate for testing four or more drugs or substances.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 80375, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Patient’s specimen type (e.g., urine, serum)
• Specific drugs or substances tested
• Qualitative or quantitative analysis performed
• Results of the analysis
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 80375, ensure that the test is performed for one to three definitive drugs or substances. If the test involves four to six drugs or substances, use CPT code 80376. For seven or more drugs or substances, use CPT code 80377. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by payers and accurately report the number of drugs or substances tested.

8. Historical information

CPT 80375 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 qualitative analysis of a urine specimen to confirm the presence of cocaine.
2. A lab analyst uses gas chromatography to quantitatively measure the amount of morphine in a patient’s serum specimen.
3. A lab analyst analyzes a urine specimen qualitatively to confirm the presence of amphetamine and methamphetamine.
4. A lab analyst performs a quantitative analysis of a serum specimen to measure the amount of codeine, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone.
5. A lab analyst tests a urine specimen qualitatively to confirm the presence of benzoylecgonine, cocaine, and carboxy-THC.