How To Use CPT Code 81345

CPT 81345 describes the targeted sequence analysis of the TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase) gene, specifically analyzing the promotor region. 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 81345?

CPT 81345 can be used to describe the targeted sequence analysis of the TERT gene, specifically analyzing the promotor region. This code is used when the lab analyst performs the technical lab test to analyze the targeted genes, such as the promotor region for the TERT gene.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 81345 is: ‘TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase) (eg, thyroid carcinoma, glioblastoma multiforme) gene analysis, targeted sequence analysis (eg, promoter region).’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs all technical steps, using a specimen such as blood or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissue.
2. The lab analyst extracts the nucleic acids from the specimen using methods such as cell lysis and digestion.
3. The lab analyst amplifies and stabilizes the quantity of nucleic acid for analysis by methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
4. The lab analyst detects the target genes, specifically analyzing the promotor region for the TERT gene.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 81345 is typically ordered by clinicians to evaluate central nervous system tumors for TERT promoter mutations. These mutations can interfere with normal cell death and contribute to unchecked tumor growth. The test results may aid in tumor classification and provide prognostic information that can impact treatment decisions.

5. When to use CPT code 81345

CPT code 81345 should be used when there is a need to analyze the targeted sequence of the TERT gene, specifically the promotor region. It is important to ensure that the test is ordered for the evaluation of relevant conditions, such as thyroid carcinoma or glioblastoma multiforme.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 81345, the documentation should include:

• Indication for the test, specifying the reason for analyzing the TERT gene promotor region
• Details of the specimen used for analysis, such as blood or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissue
• Documentation of the technical steps performed by the lab analyst, including nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and detection of the target genes
• Test results and interpretation, including any TERT promoter mutations identified
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the analysis

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 81345, ensure that the test is performed by a qualified lab analyst and that the targeted sequence analysis of the TERT gene promotor region is documented. It is important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by payers and to report any additional codes, such as those for prep work or physician interpretation, if applicable.

8. Historical information

CPT 81345 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2019. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performing targeted sequence analysis of the TERT gene promotor region for a patient with thyroid carcinoma.
2. An oncologist ordering the analysis of the TERT gene promotor region for a patient with glioblastoma multiforme to aid in tumor classification and treatment decisions.
3. A pathologist interpreting the results of the targeted sequence analysis of the TERT gene promotor region for a patient with a central nervous system tumor.
4. A researcher studying the TERT gene promotor region mutations in glioblastoma multiforme.
5. A genetic counselor discussing the implications of TERT gene promotor region mutations with a patient and their family.
6. A surgeon considering the presence of TERT gene promotor region mutations when planning the treatment approach for a patient with thyroid carcinoma.
7. A pharmaceutical company developing targeted therapies based on TERT gene promotor region mutations in specific cancers.
8. A clinical trial investigating the correlation between TERT gene promotor region mutations and treatment response in glioblastoma multiforme patients.
9. A molecular biologist analyzing the TERT gene promotor region to understand its role in tumor development and progression.
10. A healthcare administrator reviewing the utilization of CPT code 81345 for targeted sequence analysis of the TERT gene promotor region in their facility.