How To Use CPT Code 81380
CPT 81380 describes the high resolution typing of HLA Class I genes 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 81380?
CPT 81380 can be used to identify specific alleles for one HLA Class I locus, such as HLA-A, -B, or -C. This code represents high resolution typing, which involves looking for common well-documented alleles and identifying them to a high level of specificity, such as a 4-digit HLA name. It is used to assess donor/recipient compatibility for organ or stem cell transplants and to identify HLA Class I alleles associated with specific disease states.
2. Official Description
The official description of CPT code 81380 is: ‘HLA Class I typing, high resolution (ie, alleles or allele groups); one locus (eg, HLA-A, -B, or -C), each.’
3. Procedure
- The lab analyst performs all technical steps, including extracting nucleic acids, identifying target HLA gene sequences, and using molecular techniques for high resolution typing.
4. Qualifying circumstances
CPT 81380 is used when high resolution typing is performed for one HLA Class I locus, either HLA-A, -B, or -C. It is typically used to identify specific alleles associated with donor/recipient compatibility for transplants or specific disease states. The test may involve reporting a string of alleles or a National Bone Marrow Donor Program code for rare, non-CWD alleles.
5. When to use CPT code 81380
CPT code 81380 should be used when high resolution typing is performed for one HLA Class I locus, such as HLA-A, -B, or -C. It is appropriate for assessing donor/recipient compatibility for organ or stem cell transplants and identifying HLA Class I alleles associated with specific disease states.
6. Documentation requirements
To support a claim for CPT 81380, documentation should include:
- Reason for ordering the test
- Specific alleles identified through high resolution typing
- Date and time of the test
- Signature of the lab analyst performing the test
7. Billing guidelines
When billing for CPT 81380, ensure that the test involves high resolution typing for one HLA Class I locus. Report one unit of CPT 81380 for each locus tested. If the test involves all three loci (HLA-A, -B, and -C), report CPT 81379 instead. Do not report CPT 81380 if the test involves serology-based HLA Class I typing. Additional codes may be reported for prep work or physician interpretation, if applicable.
8. Historical information
CPT 81380 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
- A lab analyst performing high resolution typing for HLA-B to assess donor/recipient compatibility for a stem cell transplant.
- A clinician ordering high resolution typing for HLA-A to identify an HLA Class I allele associated with a specific disease state.
- A lab analyst using molecular techniques to perform high resolution typing for HLA-C to determine donor/recipient compatibility for an organ transplant.
- A patient undergoing high resolution typing for HLA-A to assess compatibility for a bone marrow transplant.
- A clinician ordering high resolution typing for HLA-B to identify specific alleles associated with a rare disease.
- A lab analyst performing high resolution typing for HLA-C to determine compatibility for a solid organ transplant.
- A patient undergoing high resolution typing for HLA-A to identify an HLA Class I allele that indicates a specific disease state.
- A clinician ordering high resolution typing for HLA-B to assess donor/recipient compatibility for a kidney transplant.
- A lab analyst using molecular techniques to perform high resolution typing for HLA-C to determine compatibility for a liver transplant.
- A patient undergoing high resolution typing for HLA-A to identify specific alleles associated with a rare genetic disorder.
