How To Use CPT Code 81372

CPT 81372 describes the low resolution typing of HLA Class I loci using molecular techniques. 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 81372?

CPT 81372 can be used to identify specific alleles for HLA Class I loci, including HLA-A, -B, and -C. This code represents low resolution typing, which means it identifies the alleles without high specificity, such as to the level of the two-digit HLA name or a string of alleles or a National Bone Marrow Donor Program code.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 81372 is: ‘HLA Class I typing, low resolution (eg, antigen equivalents); complete (ie, HLA-A, -B, and -C).’ There are no additional notes provided for this code.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical lab test for low or intermediate resolution assessment of HLA Class I loci using molecular techniques.
2. The lab analyst extracts nucleic acids from the sample, such as through cell lysis and digestion.
3. The lab analyst identifies the target HLA gene sequences through methods like amplification and hybridization with nucleic acid probes or direct sequencing-based typing.
4. The lab analyst determines the specific alleles for HLA-A, -B, and -C loci without high specificity.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 81372 is typically ordered to assess donor/recipient compatibility for solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplants. It can also be ordered to identify HLA Class I alleles that indicate specific disease states, such as autoimmune diseases. There are no specific qualifying circumstances mentioned for this code.

5. When to use CPT code 81372

CPT code 81372 should be used when low resolution typing is required for HLA Class I loci, specifically HLA-A, -B, and -C. It is important to note that this code does not provide high specificity in identifying alleles.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 81372, documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the test, such as assessing donor/recipient compatibility or identifying disease-specific alleles
• Details of the technical steps performed by the lab analyst, including nucleic acid extraction and identification of HLA gene sequences
• Results of the low resolution typing for HLA-A, -B, and -C loci
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 81372, ensure that the test is performed for low resolution typing of HLA Class I loci, specifically HLA-A, -B, and -C. There are no specific billing guidelines mentioned for this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 81372 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 low resolution typing for HLA-A, -B, and -C loci to assess donor/recipient compatibility for a solid organ transplant.
2. A clinician ordering CPT 81372 to identify HLA Class I alleles associated with an autoimmune disease in a patient.
3. A lab analyst using molecular techniques to perform low resolution typing for HLA-A, -B, and -C loci for a hematopoietic stem cell transplant.
4. A researcher utilizing CPT 81372 to identify HLA Class I alleles in a population study.
5. A lab analyst performing low resolution typing for HLA-A, -B, and -C loci to support a research project on HLA diversity.
6. A clinician ordering CPT 81372 to assess HLA Class I compatibility between a potential organ donor and recipient.
7. A lab analyst using molecular techniques to perform low resolution typing for HLA-A, -B, and -C loci to aid in disease diagnosis.
8. A researcher utilizing CPT 81372 to investigate the association between specific HLA Class I alleles and disease susceptibility.
9. A lab analyst performing low resolution typing for HLA-A, -B, and -C loci to support a study on HLA diversity in a specific population.
10. A clinician ordering CPT 81372 to identify HLA Class I alleles associated with a particular disease in a patient.