How To Use CPT Code 81246

CPT 81246 describes the genetic analysis procedure for detecting specific changes in the FLT3 gene’s tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) variants. 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 81246?

CPT 81246 can be used to identify specific changes in the FLT3 gene’s tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) variants. This code is utilized for genetic analysis procedures that detect these variants, which are associated with conditions such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 81246 is: ‘FLT3 (fms-related tyrosine kinase 3) (eg, acute myeloid leukemia), gene analysis; tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) variants (eg, D835, I836).’ This code represents the testing for specific changes in the FLT3 gene’s TKD variants using primers or amplification starting points.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs technical steps to detect specific changes in the FLT3 gene’s TKD variants.
2. This includes extracting nucleic acids, amplifying and stabilizing the quantity of nucleic acid for analysis, and detecting the target genes using nucleic acid probes.
3. CPT 81246 specifically focuses on the analysis of the FLT3 gene’s TKD variants using primers or amplification starting points.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 81246 is commonly ordered for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), particularly those who do not exhibit inherited genetic changes related to the condition. It is used to identify somatic mutations, which occur during the patient’s lifetime and affect only the cancerous cells. The specific TKD variants evaluated by the 81246 test include D835 and I836 over FLT3 TKD variant.

5. When to use CPT code 81246

CPT code 81246 should be used when performing genetic analysis to detect specific changes in the FLT3 gene’s TKD variants. It is appropriate for patients with conditions such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who do not show inherited genetic changes related to the condition.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 81246, documentation should include:

• Patient’s diagnosis and indication for genetic analysis
• Specific TKD variants being analyzed
• Details of the technical steps performed during the analysis
• Results of the analysis
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 81246, ensure that the procedure involves the analysis of specific changes in the FLT3 gene’s TKD variants. It is important to follow the appropriate coding guidelines and accurately report the service provided. Additionally, consider any additional tips or guidelines provided by the payer or coding authorities.

8. Historical information

CPT 81246 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2015. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performing genetic analysis to detect specific changes in the FLT3 gene’s TKD variants for a patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
2. An oncologist ordering CPT 81246 to identify somatic mutations in the FLT3 gene’s TKD variants for a patient with cytogenetically normal AML.
3. A hematologist utilizing CPT 81246 to analyze the FLT3 gene’s TKD variants in a patient with suspected genetic abnormalities related to acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
4. A geneticist performing genetic analysis using CPT 81246 to detect specific changes in the FLT3 gene’s TKD variants for research purposes.
5. A pathologist utilizing CPT 81246 to identify somatic mutations in the FLT3 gene’s TKD variants for a patient with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
6. A molecular biologist performing genetic analysis to detect specific changes in the FLT3 gene’s TKD variants for a patient enrolled in a clinical trial for targeted therapy.
7. A hematopathologist ordering CPT 81246 to analyze the FLT3 gene’s TKD variants in a patient with suspected genetic abnormalities related to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).
8. A research scientist utilizing CPT 81246 to identify somatic mutations in the FLT3 gene’s TKD variants for a study investigating the molecular mechanisms of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
9. An oncology researcher performing genetic analysis using CPT 81246 to detect specific changes in the FLT3 gene’s TKD variants for a patient with refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
10. A clinical geneticist ordering CPT 81246 to analyze the FLT3 gene’s TKD variants in a patient with a family history of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).