How To Use CPT Code 81245

CPT 81245 describes the genetic analysis procedure for detecting specific changes in the FLT3 gene, known as internal tandem duplication (ITD) variants. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 81245?

CPT 81245 can be used to describe the genetic analysis procedure that detects specific changes in the FLT3 gene, specifically the internal tandem duplication (ITD) variants. This code is used when the lab analyst performs the technical steps to identify these variants in the gene.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 81245 is: ‘FLT3 (fms-related tyrosine kinase 3) (eg, acute myeloid leukemia), gene analysis; internal tandem duplication (ITD) variants (ie, exons 14, 15)’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical lab test to detect the presence of specific changes in the FLT3 gene, known as internal tandem duplication (ITD) variants.
2. The lab analyst extracts the nucleic acids from the sample using methods such as cell lysis and digestion.
3. The lab analyst amplifies and stabilizes the quantity of nucleic acid for analysis by using primers from exons 14 and 15.
4. The lab analyst detects the target genes by using methods such as nucleic acid probes.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who may require CPT 81245 are those with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), especially those who do not show inherited genetic changes related to the condition. This test is commonly ordered for patients with cytogenetically normal AML (CN AML), where the patient may have a genetic abnormality that affects only the cancerous cells. The FLT3 ITD mutation is the most common mutation found in CN AML, and the 81245 test evaluates this genetic change.

5. When to use CPT code 81245

CPT code 81245 should be used when a genetic analysis procedure is performed to detect specific changes in the FLT3 gene, specifically the internal tandem duplication (ITD) variants. This code is appropriate when the lab analyst performs the technical steps to identify these variants in the gene.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 81245, the documentation should include:

• Indication of the need for genetic analysis of the FLT3 gene
• Details of the specific changes being tested for (internal tandem duplication variants)
• Documentation of the technical steps performed by the lab analyst
• Results of the analysis and any additional relevant information

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 81245, ensure that the procedure is performed to detect internal tandem duplication (ITD) variants in the FLT3 gene. It is important to follow the specific documentation requirements and guidelines provided by the payer. Additionally, consider reporting any separate prep work or additional assays that may be necessary for a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s condition.

8. Historical information

CPT 81245 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2012. The code was later modified on January 1, 2015 to include the specific description of FLT3 gene analysis for internal tandem duplication (ITD) variants.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performing a genetic analysis procedure to detect internal tandem duplication (ITD) variants in the FLT3 gene for a patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
2. A geneticist conducting a genetic analysis to identify specific changes in the FLT3 gene, specifically the internal tandem duplication (ITD) variants, for a patient with cytogenetically normal AML (CN AML).
3. A molecular biologist performing a genetic analysis to detect the FLT3 ITD mutation in the FLT3 gene for a patient with suspected CN AML.
4. A hematologist ordering a genetic analysis to evaluate the presence of internal tandem duplication (ITD) variants in the FLT3 gene for a patient with AML.
5. A pathologist conducting a genetic analysis to identify specific changes in the FLT3 gene, specifically the internal tandem duplication (ITD) variants, for a patient with suspected CN AML.
6. A lab technician performing a genetic analysis procedure to detect internal tandem duplication (ITD) variants in the FLT3 gene for a patient with a suspected FLT3 mutation.
7. A genetic counselor ordering a genetic analysis to evaluate the presence of internal tandem duplication (ITD) variants in the FLT3 gene for a patient with a family history of AML.
8. A clinical researcher conducting a genetic analysis to identify specific changes in the FLT3 gene, specifically the internal tandem duplication (ITD) variants, for a patient enrolled in a clinical trial for AML treatment.
9. A hematopathologist performing a genetic analysis procedure to detect internal tandem duplication (ITD) variants in the FLT3 gene for a patient with relapsed AML.
10. A molecular geneticist conducting a genetic analysis to identify specific changes in the FLT3 gene, specifically the internal tandem duplication (ITD) variants, for a patient with refractory AML.