How To Use CPT Code 81112

CPT 81112 describes the genetic analysis procedure for Human Platelet Antigen 15 (HPA-15) genotyping. 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 81112?

CPT 81112 can be used to describe the genetic analysis procedure for Human Platelet Antigen 15 (HPA-15) genotyping. This code is used when a lab analyst performs the technical steps to analyze the genes of the two common alleles of HPA-15, also known as S682Y. The analysis is typically done using a specimen such as blood or amniotic fluid.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 81112 is: ‘Human Platelet Antigen 15 genotyping (HPA-15), CD109 (CD109 molecule) (eg, neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia [NAIT], post-transfusion purpura), gene analysis, common variant, HPA-15a/b (S682Y)’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical steps to analyze the genes of the two common alleles of HPA-15, using a specimen such as blood or amniotic fluid.
2. The nucleic acids are extracted from the specimen using methods such as digestion and cell lysis.
3. The quantity of nucleic acid is increased and stabilized for analysis by amplification techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
4. The target genes, specifically HPA-15 antigen alleles, are detected using methods such as multiplex PCR and fluorescence markers.
5. The lab analyst identifies the patient’s HPA-15 antigen genotype based on the analysis of the specimen.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 81112 is commonly ordered by clinicians to assess risk or aid in the diagnosis of conditions such as neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT), post-transfusion purpura (PTP), and thrombocytopenia. The test helps identify the patient’s HPA-15 antigen genotype, which is crucial in assessing the risk of blood-related disorders caused by immune responses to different HPA antigen genotypes.

5. When to use CPT code 81112

CPT code 81112 should be used when a lab analyst performs the genetic analysis procedure for HPA-15 genotyping. It is appropriate to bill this code when analyzing the genes of the two common alleles of HPA-15, known as HPA-15a and HPA-15b, using a specimen such as blood or amniotic fluid.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 81112, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test and its clinical significance
• Details of the technical steps performed by the lab analyst
• Methods used for nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and detection
• Identification of the patient’s HPA-15 antigen genotype
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 81112, ensure that the procedure is performed by a lab analyst and that the analysis is done for the two common alleles of HPA-15. It is important to follow any specific guidelines provided by payers regarding specimen collection and physician interpretation. Report additional codes if the lab performs multiple HPA gene analyses for distinct HPA antigen systems.

8. Historical information

CPT 81112 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2018. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs the genetic analysis procedure for HPA-15 genotyping using a blood specimen to assess the risk of neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) in a fetus.
2. The lab analyst analyzes the genes of the two common alleles of HPA-15 in a patient’s blood sample to aid in the diagnosis of post-transfusion purpura (PTP).
3. Using amniotic fluid as the specimen, the lab analyst performs the genetic analysis procedure for HPA-15 genotyping to assess the risk of thrombocytopenia in a pregnant woman.
4. A lab analyst performs the genetic analysis procedure for HPA-15 genotyping on a blood sample from a patient exhibiting symptoms of thrombocytopenia.
5. Using a blood specimen, the lab analyst analyzes the genes of the two common alleles of HPA-15 to assess the risk of blood-related disorders in a patient with a history of transfusions.
6. The lab analyst performs the genetic analysis procedure for HPA-15 genotyping on a blood sample to aid in the diagnosis of a potential transfusion reaction in a patient.
7. A lab analyst analyzes the genes of the two common alleles of HPA-15 in a blood specimen to assess the risk of neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) in a newborn.
8. Using a blood sample, the lab analyst performs the genetic analysis procedure for HPA-15 genotyping to aid in the diagnosis of thrombocytopenia in a patient with unexplained bleeding.
9. The lab analyst analyzes the genes of the two common alleles of HPA-15 in a patient’s blood sample to assess the risk of post-transfusion purpura (PTP) in a transfusion recipient.
10. Using a blood specimen, the lab analyst performs the genetic analysis procedure for HPA-15 genotyping to aid in the diagnosis of thrombocytopenia in a patient with a family history of blood disorders.