How To Use CPT Code 81224

CPT 81224 describes the genetic analysis procedure for detecting the presence of the intron 8 poly-T mutation in the CFTR gene. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 81224?

CPT 81224 can be used to identify the intron 8 poly-T mutation in the CFTR gene through genetic analysis. This code is utilized when the lab analyst performs the technical steps involved in detecting this specific mutation.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 81224 is: ‘CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) gene analysis; intron 8 poly-T analysis (eg, male infertility)’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs various technical steps, including nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and target gene detection, to identify the intron 8 poly-T mutation in the CFTR gene.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 81224 is used when clinicians order the analysis of the intron 8 poly-T mutation in the CFTR gene. This analysis is particularly relevant for evaluating couples at risk of having offspring with cystic fibrosis or for patients with certain diagnoses, such as male patients with a congenital abnormality associated with CFTR mutations involving the absence of the vas deferens.

5. When to use CPT code 81224

CPT code 81224 should be used when there is a specific need to detect the intron 8 poly-T mutation in the CFTR gene. It is important to distinguish this code from other CFTR gene analysis codes, such as those for common variants, known familial variants, duplication deletion variants, and full gene sequence analysis.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 81224, documentation should include:

• Indication of the need for intron 8 poly-T analysis
• Details of the technical steps performed by the lab analyst
• Results of the analysis

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 81224, ensure that the analysis is performed by a lab analyst. It is important to distinguish this code from other CFTR gene analysis codes. If the ordering clinician requests physician interpretation, it may be appropriate to report an additional code for the interpretation.

8. Historical information

CPT 81224 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2012. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performing genetic analysis to detect the intron 8 poly-T mutation in the CFTR gene for a patient with male infertility.
2. Following a CF screening for common CFTR mutations, a clinician orders intron 8 poly-T testing for R117H positive patients to evaluate couples at risk of having offspring with cystic fibrosis.
3. A patient with a congenital abnormality associated with CFTR mutations involving the absence of the vas deferens undergoes intron 8 poly-T testing.
4. A lab analyst performs genetic analysis to identify the intron 8 poly-T mutation in the CFTR gene for a patient with suspected cystic fibrosis.
5. After a positive CFTR common variants analysis, a clinician orders intron 8 poly-T testing to further evaluate the patient’s genetic profile.
6. A patient with a family history of cystic fibrosis undergoes intron 8 poly-T testing to assess their risk of carrying CFTR mutations.
7. A lab analyst performs genetic analysis to detect the intron 8 poly-T mutation in the CFTR gene for a patient with unexplained respiratory symptoms.
8. Following a positive CFTR duplication deletion variants analysis, a clinician orders intron 8 poly-T testing to complete the patient’s genetic evaluation.
9. A patient with a suspected CFTR gene mutation undergoes intron 8 poly-T testing to confirm the presence of the intron 8 poly-T mutation.
10. After an inconclusive CFTR full gene sequence analysis, a clinician orders intron 8 poly-T testing to further investigate the patient’s genetic profile.