How To Use CPT Code 81324

CPT 81324 describes the genetic analysis procedure for the PMP22 gene, specifically looking for duplication or deletion changes in the gene sequence. 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 81324?

CPT 81324 can be used to describe the genetic analysis procedure for the PMP22 gene. This code is specifically used to detect duplication or deletion changes in the gene sequence. The lab analyst performs all the technical steps necessary to analyze the PMP22 gene, from extracting nucleic acids to using nucleic acid probes to determine the copy number of the gene.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 81324 is: ‘PMP22 (peripheral myelin protein 22) (eg, Charcot-Marie-Tooth, hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies) gene analysis; duplication/deletion analysis.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical steps to analyze the PMP22 gene for duplication and deletion changes in the gene sequence.
2. This includes extracting nucleic acids, amplifying the quantity of nucleic acid for analysis, and using nucleic acid probes to establish the copy number of the gene.
3. The lab analyst determines if there are any duplication or deletion changes in the PMP22 gene sequence.
4. The results of the analysis are reported to the clinician for further interpretation and diagnosis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 81324 is typically ordered for patients suspected of having Charcot-Marie-Tooth or hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies. These conditions are associated with specific genetic changes involving the PMP22 gene. The test is performed when there is a need to detect duplication or deletion changes in the gene sequence.

5. When to use CPT code 81324

CPT code 81324 should be used when there is a clinical suspicion of Charcot-Marie-Tooth or hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies, and there is a need to detect duplication or deletion changes in the PMP22 gene. This code is specific to the analysis of the PMP22 gene and should not be used for other genetic analyses.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 81324, the documentation should include:

• Clinical indication for the test, such as suspected Charcot-Marie-Tooth or hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies
• Details of the technical steps performed during the analysis, including nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and use of nucleic acid probes
• Results of the analysis, indicating the presence or absence of duplication or deletion changes in the PMP22 gene
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the analysis

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 81324, ensure that the test is performed for the detection of duplication or deletion changes in the PMP22 gene. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting genetic analysis procedures. CPT code 81324 should not be reported with other codes unless there are additional genetic analyses performed.

8. Historical information

CPT 81324 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2013. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs the genetic analysis procedure for the PMP22 gene to detect duplication or deletion changes in a patient suspected of having Charcot-Marie-Tooth.
2. A clinician orders the genetic analysis procedure for the PMP22 gene to determine if a patient with hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies has any duplication or deletion changes in the gene sequence.
3. A lab analyst analyzes the PMP22 gene for duplication or deletion changes in a patient with symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
4. A clinician suspects Charcot-Marie-Tooth in a patient and orders the genetic analysis procedure for the PMP22 gene to confirm the diagnosis.
5. A lab analyst performs the genetic analysis procedure for the PMP22 gene to detect duplication or deletion changes in a patient with a family history of hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies.
6. A clinician orders the genetic analysis procedure for the PMP22 gene to rule out Charcot-Marie-Tooth in a patient with unexplained peripheral neuropathy.
7. A lab analyst analyzes the PMP22 gene for duplication or deletion changes in a patient with symptoms suggestive of hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies.
8. A clinician suspects a genetic cause for a patient’s peripheral neuropathy and orders the genetic analysis procedure for the PMP22 gene to investigate further.
9. A lab analyst performs the genetic analysis procedure for the PMP22 gene to detect duplication or deletion changes in a patient with atypical symptoms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth.
10. A clinician orders the genetic analysis procedure for the PMP22 gene to confirm the diagnosis of hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies in a patient with characteristic symptoms.