How To Use CPT Code 81270

CPT 81270 describes the genetic analysis procedure for detecting a specific change in the JAK2 gene, known as p.Val617Phe (V617F) variant. 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 81270?

CPT 81270 can be used to describe the genetic analysis procedure performed to detect the presence of a common change in the JAK2 gene, specifically the p.Val617Phe (V617F) variant. This variant is associated with various pathologies and is commonly tested for diagnostic purposes and to inform therapy for patients with myeloproliferative disorders.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 81270 is: ‘JAK2 (Janus kinase 2) (eg, myeloproliferative disorder) gene analysis, p.Val617Phe (V617F) variant.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical steps of the genetic analysis procedure, starting from extracting the nucleic acids from the sample.
2. The lab analyst then amplifies and stabilizes the quantity of nucleic acid for analysis.
3. The target genes, specifically the JAK2 gene, are detected using nucleic acid probes.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 81270 is typically ordered by clinicians for patients with myeloproliferative disorders or diseases associated with abnormal production of blood cells. The JAK2 V617F variant, which causes these disorders, is a somatic mutation acquired during the patient’s lifetime and is not inherited.

5. When to use CPT code 81270

CPT code 81270 should be used when performing the genetic analysis procedure to detect the p.Val617Phe (V617F) variant in the JAK2 gene. It is appropriate for diagnostic purposes and to guide therapy for patients with myeloproliferative disorders.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 81270, the documentation should include:

• Indication of the need for genetic analysis
• Specific details of the genetic analysis procedure performed
• Results of the analysis, specifically the presence or absence of the p.Val617Phe (V617F) variant
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 81270, ensure that the procedure performed is the genetic analysis for the JAK2 p.Val617Phe (V617F) variant. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting this code and any associated modifiers. CPT code 81270 should not be reported with other codes unless medically necessary and supported by documentation.

8. Historical information

CPT 81270 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 the genetic analysis procedure to detect the JAK2 p.Val617Phe (V617F) variant in a patient with suspected myeloproliferative disorder.
2. A clinician ordering CPT code 81270 for a patient with abnormal blood cell production to determine if the JAK2 p.Val617Phe (V617F) variant is present.
3. A lab technician performing the genetic analysis procedure to identify the JAK2 p.Val617Phe (V617F) variant in a patient with symptoms of polycythemia vera.
4. A clinician utilizing CPT code 81270 to guide therapy decisions for a patient with primary myelofibrosis.
5. A lab analyst conducting the genetic analysis procedure to detect the JAK2 p.Val617Phe (V617F) variant in a patient with essential thrombocythemia.
6. A clinician ordering CPT code 81270 to confirm the presence of the JAK2 p.Val617Phe (V617F) variant in a patient with suspected myeloproliferative disorder.
7. A lab technician performing the genetic analysis procedure to identify the JAK2 p.Val617Phe (V617F) variant in a patient with abnormal blood cell counts.
8. A clinician utilizing CPT code 81270 to guide treatment decisions for a patient with symptoms of myeloproliferative disorder.
9. A lab analyst conducting the genetic analysis procedure to detect the JAK2 p.Val617Phe (V617F) variant in a patient with unexplained changes in blood cell production.
10. A clinician ordering CPT code 81270 to confirm the presence of the JAK2 p.Val617Phe (V617F) variant in a patient with suspected myeloproliferative disorder.