How To Use CPT Code 81339

CPT 81339 describes the analysis of specific gene sequences of the MPL (MPL proto-oncogene, thrombopoietin receptor) gene, such as exon 10, which may be associated with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) like essential thrombocythemia (ET) in JAK 2 V617F-negative patients. 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 81339?

CPT 81339 can be used to analyze specific gene sequences of the MPL gene, particularly exon 10. This analysis helps identify mutations associated with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), such as essential thrombocythemia (ET), in patients who test negative for the JAK 2 V617F variant. By examining the MPL gene, healthcare professionals can establish a differential diagnosis for MPN and determine the appropriate treatment plan for the patient.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 81339 is: ‘MPL (MPL proto-oncogene, thrombopoietin receptor) (eg, myeloproliferative disorder) gene analysis; sequence analysis, exon 10.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical lab test on a specimen, such as blood, to analyze specific gene sequences of the MPL gene, specifically exon 10.
2. The lab analyst extracts the nucleic acids from the specimen using methods like cell lysis and digestion.
3. The lab analyst amplifies the nucleic acids through processes like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to increase and stabilize the quantity of nucleic acid for analysis.
4. The lab analyst detects the target genes, focusing on exon 10 of the MPL gene, to identify any mutations associated with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN).

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 81339 is used when analyzing the MPL gene, specifically exon 10, in patients who have tested negative for the JAK 2 V617F variant. This analysis helps establish a differential diagnosis for myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), such as essential thrombocythemia (ET), and aids in determining the appropriate treatment plan for the patient.

5. When to use CPT code 81339

CPT code 81339 should be used when healthcare professionals need to analyze specific gene sequences of the MPL gene, particularly exon 10, in patients who have tested negative for the JAK 2 V617F variant. This analysis helps identify mutations associated with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and assists in establishing a differential diagnosis for conditions like essential thrombocythemia (ET).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 81339, healthcare professionals must document the following information:

• Patient’s negative test result for the JAK 2 V617F variant
• Specific gene analysis performed on the MPL gene, focusing on exon 10
• Date and time of the analysis
• Results of the analysis, including any identified mutations associated with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN)
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the analysis

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 81339, ensure that the analysis is performed on the MPL gene, specifically exon 10. It is important to note that some payers may separately reimburse for specimen collection using a code like 36415. If the ordering clinician requests physician interpretation of the test and the pathologist provides an interpretation and writes a report, you may also report G0452 with modifier 26. However, the interpretation must be performed by an MD or DO physician, not a PhD laboratory scientist, according to CMS guidelines.

8. Historical information

CPT 81339 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2021. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient tests negative for the JAK 2 V617F variant, and the healthcare professional orders CPT 81339 to analyze the MPL gene, specifically exon 10, to identify any mutations associated with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) like essential thrombocythemia (ET).
2. Following a negative JAK 2 V617F variant analysis, a patient presents with symptoms suggestive of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). The healthcare professional orders CPT 81339 to analyze the MPL gene, focusing on exon 10, to establish a differential diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
3. A patient with a family history of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) undergoes testing for the JAK 2 V617F variant, which returns negative. The healthcare professional then orders CPT 81339 to analyze the MPL gene, specifically exon 10, to identify any mutations associated with MPN and assess the patient’s risk.
4. After ruling out other potential causes of the patient’s symptoms, the healthcare professional orders CPT 81339 to analyze the MPL gene, focusing on exon 10, to investigate the possibility of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) like essential thrombocythemia (ET).